The Portland daily press., 1888-09-19
AT CHICAGO.
Hon. William w. Thomas, Jr., Honor
ed by the ScandinavIans.

Inc lnterocean says: Chicago is said to
De the largest Swedish city in the world out
side OF Sweden. The little kingdom of
sweden has been for the last nine years the
third in the list of contributors to the foreign
population of the United States and the
Swedes. as rule, do not remain in the cities,
out they strike out into the prairies and
Dackwoods and open new territory, making
1t productive and valuable.
Yesterday there arrived In Chicago the
hon. William w. Thomas, Jr., of Portland,
Me-, who is well known to all Scandinavians
as the ex-United States Minister to Sweden.
While Mr.. Thomas is well acquainted with
many former residents of Sweden he did not
have time to stop and talk with them. but
hopes to do so in the near future. Mr..
Thomas is well posted regarding the Maine
election and official life in Stockholm.
American travellers have many times wished
he were still located in Stockholm. Mr..
Thomas is more closely identified with the
Swedish-Americans than any other person
In this country, having been consul to
Gothenburg under President Lincoln, and
served as American Minister under Presi
dent Arthur He was found in his apart
ments at the Grand Pacific Hotel. Mr..
Thomas said:
Il am on my way to Minneapolis to de-
liver the address at the great Swedish cele-
bration of the 250th anniversary of the land
OF the first Swedish colony in this country,
which occurred on the banks of the Della
ware in 1858. really regard it as an ex-
ceptional compliment that these people
should send so far for man who is so dis
tinctively American In birth as l to speak to
them ON such an occasion. But have been
most intimately identified with the Swedish
people for many years. think was the
first minister to Sweden who was able to adj
dress the King upon arrival there in his
naive tongue. In 1870 brought over a
colony OF fifty Swedes and settled them in a
backwoods township on the st. Johns River
coo persons"
you have also translated into English
some OF the Swedish literature, have you
"Yes. have done much of such work and
II has served to bring me prominently before
tne swedish people. One of the most inter-
estng incidents connected with my stay in
sweden was connected with the American
nag; Upon my arrival at Stockholm, found
no American flag among the possessions of
tne ONCE, and l learned that it had never
been the custom for foreign ministers to fiy
the nag OF their countries. determined to
establish precedent, sand on the anniyersa-
ry OF the death of Gustavus Adolphus. /
raised raised the stars and Stripes, The idea
took it up. and since then the American flag
Is raised there on all national American holt
days. Since | went to Sweden there has also
peen established direct line of steamers
from the United States to Sweden, which is
Of great value to America, as Sweden uses
from this country"
Thomas2"
Il am just from the stump in Maine. The
f Fes, are glorious The prospects for the
iali campaign, in the light of our victory in
Maine, are very fattering, not only for that
State, but forlall of the Northeastern States
MY. observation leads me to say that in
Maine the entire manufacturing interest of
s state. without regard to previous politi-
cal preferences, is in favor of the Republi-
can ticket. The only wooI-growing county
we have is strongly Republican, and cOuld
give the names of great many farmers and
many of them former Demo-
cI aa VINO are opposed to the policyof Cleve-
DO you regard the result in Maine as a
significant indication for the entire North in
the November election?"
Il would hardly say that. But it is GER
talnly a most significant index for the mann
featuring North. All the Northeastern
States, and New York, Pennsylvania.-yes
and New Jersey--I feel quite confident of
we OF; the East are inclined to look upon
New York as certain this year. One gentle
man from that State, with whom was talk
ing, placed the majority in New York at TO-.
300 We are more afraid of Indiana. down
East, than Of any other Northern State, but |
| understand that Western Republicans look |
upon Indiana as certain. The result in
Maine was accomplished against the most |
vigorous and determined opposition made by |
the Democrats since the Republican party |
was formed. Cleveland's letter of accept |
ance appeared that morning. Maine answer
I'D in the evening"
DO you take any stump after speaking at |
Yes, in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michi- |
gan. may also speak a few times in Illi- |
lois. where there is such large number of |
'wedes. shall spend the latter part of the |
'ampalgn in New York State.''
=, when. were you last in Sweden, Mr.. |
Last October went there to get married. |
ND In all my connection with the Swedish |
,eople | consider that the best thing / ever
nd. My term of Office ended when / was |
lyil-service-reformed out of Office upon the |
secession OF MIR. Cleveland