Mr. Swenson to Mr. May.

No. 322.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of the 14th instant, directing me to convey the President’s felicitations to the King on the fortieth anniversary of his reign. Having ascertained that there would be no audience for the formal presentation of congratulations of this kind I sent the following telegraphic message to His Majesty’s country residence, Fredensborg palace:

Copenhagen, November 15, 1903.

Court Marchal Oxholm:

In a cablegram Secretary Hay charges me to convey the hearty felicitations of the President to His Majesty the King on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of his reign, coupled with the best wishes for His Majesty’s health and a peaceful, happy, and prosperous continuation of his reign for many years to come.

[Page 388]

Mr. Oxholm telegraphed me that this message had been handed to the King immediately after its receipt and that official reply would follow later.

The King received congratulatory messages from the heads of nearly all the European states and from other sovereigns. The King of England honored him with a commission as general in the English army and the Emperor of Germany sent a special envoy with an autograph letter of congratulations to His Majesty.

Though it had been announced, in accordance with the King’s wish, that the day was not to be considered the occasion for ceremonious observance or special festivities, celebrations were held throughout the Kingdom and in the colonies. Flags were seen everywhere, and the streets in the capital, in Fredensborg, and other cities were beautifully decorated, presenting a festive appearance, especially in the evening, when the illuminations added brilliancy to the scene.

The King drove through the streets of Fredensborg after dinner, and was greeted with great enthusiasm and demonstrations of affection. His Majesty’s loyal subjects gave strong proof on this anniversary of the love, esteem, and veneration they entertain for their aged ruler. He was the recipient of testimonials of such sentiments from all sides. Floral tributes were presented to him, addresses sent in, etc.

No Danish King has been more beloved by the people than is Christian IX. This general devotion to His Majesty is due to his sincere patriotism, his modest and unaffected manners, his purity and nobility of character, and his strong sense of justice and honor. He is true to his motto: “With God for honor and right.” He is at heart a man of the people, and has unselfishly consecrated his life to the furtherance of their welfare. He is plain, staightforward, and approachable; and these characteristics, coupled with a correct reserve and an air of distinction, inspire the deepest respect and admiration. He is frank, and, accordingly, incapable of insincerity and double dealing. Devoid of the vanity that so often besets persons in high places, he prefers to do his work quietly and unostentatiously. He dislikes acting for effect and publicity. He well deserves to be called, “the gentleman king.” He is a lover of peace, always being eager to exert his influence in its behalf when opportunity offers.

The venerable Monarch bears his eighty-five years well. The condition of his mind as well as of his body in no way suggest senility. Judging from outward appearances, he may live to celebrate the golden jubilee of his reign.

I have, etc.,

Laurits S. Swenson.