THE WAUPACA REPUBLICAN

May 20, 1904

 

Nineteenth Anniversary of Norwegian Independence.

 

            Dear to all Norwegians is May 17 “Syttende Mai”, they call it – the national holiday of Norway.  Just as a band of chosen patriots at Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, proclaimed the freedom and independence of the American colonies, a gathering at Eids-vold, on May 17, 1914, declared Norway a sovereign and independent nation.  The country for 400 years had been under the domination of Denmark, and had but a few months before, by the treaty of Keil been ceded to Sweden. The gathering at Eidsvold was due directly to the influence of the American and French revolutions, and the Norwegians were ready for a fight.  Marshal Bernadotte, elected heir-apparent to the throne of Sweden, invaded Norway with 20,000 men and the whole Swedish navy.  The Swedes were repulsed in engagements at Lier and Medskog, but on the main armies near Moss, Bernadotte or Prince Charles, decided to recognize the Norwegian constitution, and the two countries formed the union of two sovereign kingdoms with a joint king.

            In this city the Danish people make quite a demonstration in honor of Danish independence, June 5.  No particular demonstrations are manifest herein the observance of May 17, Norwegian independence, but in localities where the population is more numerous the holiday anniversary is generally honored, on account of the independence which is dear to the Norsemen’s hearts.