Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-08-30
Good Material for States

Hampshire and Vermont, about when
these States have recently set to work
through legislative authority, has directed
attention To natives OF the Scandinavian
penir. sula a. most desirable subjects for
immigrants. There are many sturdy
qualities about this people which make
them very desirable class Of citizens, as
they possess, as a race, characteristics OF
the highest order. They are not new
element In the race problem OF our eoun-
try. As early As the first half OF the
seventeenth century Swedish colony |
was founded ia what il now the
State Of Delaware, and from that
10 the present close bond Of union has
existed between sur country and the
North Land of these hardy, Intelligent,
moral. law abiding Scandinavians. 1t is
said that we have at present in the United
States about two millions of Scandina- |
vians, or one ,thirtieth Of the entire popu-
lation Of our country-one-half Of which
are Swedes. A considerable number Of
these are found IN New England, but Of
late years the main body Of this large
column of immigrants which has been
constantly seeking our shores from the
Old World, have gone chiefly into Mon
taDa and the territories of Washing
ton and Oregon. The inducement to
go West has been that universal one
Of obtaining land and employment. and
-.
lowed the course Of settlement ever fol-
westward. In these new states and terri
tories Of the Northwest are found Scan
dnavian characteristics, customs mode of
living, language and literature exempt
ied under new conditions, but pretty
truthfully representing the social life of
| their respective nations.
We find them engaged in almost every
kind Of industry, from the hnmblest en-
/ ployment on the public works to the
highest offices of State. Naturally
there is a considerable number engaged in
or iinary day labor, but these are chiefly
men who, lacking the means to start on a
farm or to set up business of their own.
take what work they can get till they can
do better themselves.
On the other hand, it may be shown that
large percentage OF the Scandayians oc-
cupy independent and even superior po-
sitions. Many who started as common
laborers on the public works have raised
themselves to positions of trust and honor,
as foremen, Overseers or managers on the
public works in factories or places Of bus
mess. As farmers they are generally sue
cessful, and a similar remark applies to
those engaged in law, medicine or educa-
tional work.
Scandinavians are clannish. They like
to be among their own people, and it far
easier TO induce them to locate in a sec
ton where their own countrymeu are
than to remain in places where they
are not. On this account our New
England States should make efforts
to have Scandinavians settle here,
and take up our now uuoccupied but
fertile and productive lands. Maine has
tried the experiment and it was one of
the best schemes of colonization the State
has ever ATTEMPTED. The climate and
physical condition of New England are
much like those of the scandinavian PENN
sula and hence the Swedes are more at
home here. Ii has been often remarked,
also. that they learn the English language
more easily than apy other foreigners, and
enter more earnestly into the spirit of
American institutions. This NAV be due
In mart TO the close kipsbip which exists
between the Anglo Saxon and the Scandi-
pav;an p.ople a L;psbin observable not
only in their pbvsioue and social life. but
in their language. literature and general
habit of thought But In mart it is due to
the fact that the scandinavian finds that
the changes required are usually for the
better, whether in matters relating t. in
dustries. politics or education.
The scardinavians are almost to man
Protestant. To submit to the authority
OF the Romish Church would be antago-
nistic to the spirit Of the race. Catholics
~. ,nt,a,yn suo,,y tho Suadas and Mar