SWEDEN'S CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT.

West Coast Times, 19 February 1914, Page 3

SWEDEN'S CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT.

“ UNITED IN ’COMMON AIM." [FEE PRESS ASSOCIATION COFYUIOIiT.] STOCKHOLM, Feb. 17. M- Hammartikiold has formed a Cabinet. ■STOCKHOLM. Feb. 18. The new Ministry is described as being Strong and unlmund by Party ties and united in a common aim to stregthen the national defence. The Liberals and Socialists are unable to find any democratic reason for the new .Ministry ’s existence. WHY SWEDEN IS UNEASY. Mr. Knot Albrechtson, a Swedish business man and prominent athlete, who was in Sydney last week, says Russia is looking for fight, and Sweden is to lie her next objective. “Sweden is suffering from just a scare from Russia as you are from Japan, but then- is this difference— Sweden is thoroughly prepared. When Russia does come Sweden will defend herself nobly, and give more than she takes. I have been in Australia for six months, hut during that time I have received news from my home country telling me of a war movement. Parliament meets again shortly, and when it doe* votes of money for -the consstuetion of warship* are to be rushed through. All Sweden is talking of Russia, and there is no doubt that Russia has her eves on our little country. A big agitation is on foot to prepare for a possible invasion, and the newspapers' are all advocating it. The Swedish army is very strong, simply becau'se we have conscription, all having to go through a course of training. “Russia would not be game to come with its strongest armyv, because the moment certain towns are left unguarded Poles and Cossacks would rush in and take possession. The French are our .friends, we are well protected on the borders, and all we want now is warships. As soon as we have them Russia had better be quiet. “ It is remarkable how anxious the people of Sweden appear to be for Russia to make the attack. They have so long been scared that at last they are defying them and daring them to ‘come and conquer.’ Should Russia take it into her head to come aeross. wellwell we’ll just see."