The National Review Volume 46 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 Excerpt: ...were any member of my family to be willing to be elected King of Norway. Dis: rust and suspicion would certainly arise in both countries as well towards hi-Ti as t iwards me, and this would tend to disturb the more friendly dispositions which I hope will ere long exist between the two nations, now unfortunately separated, and which will be to the advantage ot both and constitute a safeguard of peace in the Scandinavian peninsula. This final and irrevocable decision of the Swedish monarch against the selection of any member of the House of Bernadotte to the vacant throne left the way open for Prince Charles of Denmark, who had always been a popular favourite. By a majority of three to one the Storthing authorised the Norwegian Government to invite the Danish Prince to accept the Kingship, subject to a referendum--a suggestion which was understood to be acceptable to, if it did not actually originate with, Prince Charles. In accordance with this decision the Government issued a proclamation, recommending the country to vote for a Monarchical system on the British and Italian model, and at the plebiscite held on Sunday, November 12, the Monarchy was approved by an immense majority of nearly four to one, viz., 259,563 against 69,264 Republican votes. On November 18, the Storthing met for the formal election, and the President's motion that Prince Charles of Denmark should be elected King of Norway was carried unanimously by the 116 Members of Parliament present out of the full complement of 117, there being only one absentee. Prince Charles was immediately communicated with, and the new Sovereign responded in a felicitous telegram, which went straight to the hearts of the Norwegian people: "With the permission of the King, my illustrious grandfather, I acce...