Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-03-28
The Norwegian Vote.
Lacrosse Chronicle.

1t is becoming more and more APP
parent that the Norwegian vote in
the northwest can no longer be
counted on for the republican party.
As n striking example we publish
below the greater portion of letter
written to the Chicago Scandinaven'
by Hon knut Langland, OF Racine
county. Mr.. Langland is one of the
oldest scandinavian settlers in the
state; for over forty years he has
been close observer of political
events in this country; he is one of
theipioneers in Scandinavian journal
ism IN the northwest and, as to his
integrity, carries name among his
countrymen second to none. In
1880 he was presidential elector on
the Garfield ticket. OF course it Is
not to be supposed that a letter from
such Il lifelong republican should
be very strongly democratic, but the
moderation with which ii is written
gives it more weight, and it clearly
shows the spirit of the times. After
an introduction wherein he endorses
similar article from Norwegian in
Minnesota, Mr.. Langland says:
When say that it would be best for the
ScandinayianS OF the northwest 10 loosen their
party connection with both the great parties and
take up an independent position and let circum-
stances at each election decide their action,
am probably expected TO state here some OF the
weightiest reasons that have led to this, from an
old republican. somewhat unexpected declare
:iou. He who wishes 10 be considered Justly en-
titled To American suffrage, has generally long be-
fore election sought to decide in what manner he
can best serve Ii. country with his vote Since
our last presidential election it has been very
difficult to come to an honest conclusion on this
point and still remain a faithful party man. No
issue divides the parties in such manner that
the one stands as unit against the other but in
both parties groups are formed that often talk
just as much about persons as about principles.
II follows that party lines have become crooked
and sometimes invisible and often. only the
party name remains, Hence the innumersble
changes and une xpeCted results OF elections du-
ring the last few years. While this has taken
piece we simple hearted Scandinayians remain
ed tightly dashed TO the republican party and
often considered il sin to be democrat with
ont being able TO say why. This phenomenon
is inheritance from the time of slavery and our
political aspiEants for Office and our press have
certainly done their share to retain it, The dem
ocratie party has enough of past sins to answer
for and do not here to advocate general con-
version TO that party, but of late yean the re-
publican list OF sins is vastly greater and it must
be time to loosen a little the party shackles and
place patriotism and wise independence at the
helm. II is our duty to do so. So long as the
republicans carry our votes in their pockets they
feel secure, monopolists have fine opportunity to
use their sway. A stong element OF independent
voters only can rid the party of these abuses.
Even Wisconsin sud Minnesota are represented
| in the senate by lumber millionaires who help
to prohibit the importation of lumber from Can
ada, :tus placing exorbitant prices on the far
mers' material for buildings and fences Other
states, especially in the east, send rich and
powerful manufacturers 10 congress. where they
give the farmers q slap in the face by taking OF
the duty on wool. while wooden goods are sub
iected to such duty that importation IS made
impossible and unreasonably high prices put upon
the stuff with which the farmer is TO patch his
coat. With few exceptions 1t is the money
power which decides the result in our elections