the Storting took the matter in its own hands and passed a law giving Norway a separate consular service. When the king, Oscar II, refused to sanc- tion this measure and the ministry resigned, the Storting declared on June 7, 1905 that «whereas the King has declared his inability to procure the country a new ministry and the constitutional royal power has thus ceased to function, the union with Sweden under one king is dissolved in conse- quence of the King’s having ceased to act as the Norwegian king». This resolution gave rise to a great deal of acerbity in Sweden, and powerful influences were at work to compel Norway by force of arms to remain in the union. But Oscar II was opposed to war, and was supported in this by a strong Swedish opinion. Peaceable negotiations were instituted between the two nations, and on October 6, 1905 the so-called Karlstad agreements embodying the terms for the dissolution of the union were signed at Stockholm. In Norway an animated discussion ensued as to the future form of government. The question was decided by a general plebiscite, which gave an overwhelming majority for a monarchy. On November 18, 1905 Prince Carl of Denmark was elected as King of Norway. He took the name of Haakon VII, and his son the Crown Prince was named Olav. There are four names which deserve special 13