Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-06-17
Scandinavian Immigration.

Europe, w. w. Thomas, Esq., the Com
missioner of immigration for the State OF
Maine, addressed n letter to Governor
Chamberlain, in which he earnestly press
cd upon the Governor and Council the
propriety of having a cutting of five acres
made upon each OF twenty-five lots in
Aroostook County, and the erection of a
log house of two rooms on each lot, as.
although the number ofhouses previously
proposed, Q0), might possibly be made
to accommodate the immigrants, the
colonists would be much happier and
more contcnted if each family found Il
suitable shelter on its own farm, and n
log house Tor each family would prevent.
any feeling OF jealousy watch might arise.
from having less houses than families
Mr.. Thomas expressed perfect confidence
in the success of his mission, and assured
the Governor that twenty-five Swedish
families would be brought by him into
Aroostook this summer. He was anxious
that the preparations should be COM
menced Immediately, rs he intended to
reach Aroostook by the 18th Of July next.
To run out and brush off twenty-five lots;
cut l25 acres, and build twenty-five log
houses. would require nearly all the time
previous TO the arrival ofthe immigrants,
and no time was to be lost in beginning
operations.
In conclusion Mr.. Thomas remarks:
IF this enterprise is failure. the day OF
settling Aroostook will be indefinitely
postponed. May the State foster this in
FAINT colony with generous hand.
At meeting of the Executive Council
on May lith, the Committee, TO whom
this subject had been referred, reported
that the Land Agent be requested TO do
in the premises what he deems best for
the interests of the State; leaving with
! him in his discretion whether To fall three
acres or iiyc,-which was read and APP
proved by The Governor.
Mr. Thomas writes from Liverpool, on
the day of his arrival, May 10. that he
had received letter from his agent in
Sweden, stating that the project had been
fully published in the "Handcls Tiduing'
and Posted, two OF the most influential
journals in Sweden. The agent also
wrote: II think we will have many APP
plications. Several papers have copied
from the Handles Tiduing, so the way
is well prepared" The announcement
in the Swedish paper is very full, at the
close of which the editor says I'VE
deem it our duty to add that we have
beeu personally acquainted with Mr..
Thomas since his first residence in Goth
cnburg, as U. s. Consul and we know
| him 10 be a man OF honor and warm
| friend of Sweden" Mr.. Thomas is con-
fdcnt of obtaining twenty-five OF the
hardest and most industrious families of
Sweden, who will bring hundreds of
dollars per family with them, and have
them here by time previously specified.
He would promise them transportation
from the State line, and log house for
each family. He says. Prepare the
place and will bring over and settle the
nucleus of great things" Mr.. Thomas
expected 10 arrive in Sweden by the 10th
of May, and would push matters prompt
ly there, and we shall look with much
interest for the successful issue of this
enterprise. which promises toinauguratc
the settlement of that portion of our do
main by hardy, industrious and intel
ligent people.
Another letter has been received from
Mr.. Thomas, rs follows:
GorHENBuRG, Sweden, May Il, 1870.
Hon. PARKER F. BCRLEIGH:
Dear Sir:-I arrived in Sweden yesler-
day morning. Our enterprise has been
well announced by my agents. Seven
families have applied to one-two to tho
other-and three more to me this morning.
| | have secured the influence of the prin-
cipal men, and newspapers in thisportion
of Sweden, and can promise You tho
| scheme will be a success. very favor
able editorial willappear in this evenings
issue of the leading paper of Gothenberg
will forward you marked copy.
have announced that | will take no
families unless they bring good certificates
as to character, industry, &C., &c. They
must be young men, farmers from
timber country. have as yet promised
to take none of the applicants. am
putting the thing in the light of great
favor to them. am sure TO have my
pick, and shall pick good ones. sail
with the colony from Gothenburg Juno
"a, and shall arrive in Halifax about July
u or II. and at Woodstock as soon after
As possible If the river is not navigable
to Woodstock | shall come bYrail TO
Houlton. Twill look out for the European
end. hope the American terminus is
being located and built. 1have promised
the immigrants that Maine will furnish
transportation from the State line, five
acres felled and burnt, and house Of
two rooms. hope these things will be
in readiness by July 10.
Please write me on receipt of this and
let me know what has been done. will
write you at least once week and keep
you posted. I am now in search OF