The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-01-17

rivers and lakes, ocean inlets and mighty
forests, grand scenery and saluprlous CHI
mate, the Scandinavian immigrant woulo
feel himself AT home as nowhere else IN the
United States.
And in regard to the Scandinavians as de-
sirable immigrants the states OF Wlscon-
sin, Minnesota, Iowa and the two DaKotas
will bear ample evidence. ASK Wherever
you like and all will admit that the rapid
and wonderful development of those states
is due in large measure to the Scandlna-
Wan settlers Through hardship and suf-
fering, through privation and poverty, they
have cleared the forests, plowed the prai-
ries and built their homes, and today thou
sands and thousands of them are sitting in
coZy homes, surrounded by all that makes
life pleasant and comfortable, living like
princes as compared with their brethren
in the old countries.
Now, a few suggestions in regard to how
to attract the attention of these immigrants
and to get them to locate amongst us.
If the work is ito be successful, it must be
systematic and should be carried on by a
state organization. The best way, and not
the cheapest. should be our only consider
alton. No matter what it may cost in dol
lars and cents, to invite and secure a de-
sirable class Of immigrants and settlers is
undoubtedly the best investment the state
can make, both now and for a good many
years to come.
To draw the attention Of the Scandinavian
immigrant, both domestic and foreign, the
public press is by far the surest, most direct
and hence most effective mode.
The work of the newspaper, however,
must be followed up by a liberal and judi
cious use of pamphlets, folders and other
forms Of advertising matter. These should
contain few good pictures representing
the most important Industries of the state,
and fy.11a and disna SSioD re- daScriDtiOn Of
the resources and the many advantages
this state offers the prospective settler
Whenever possible the use of reliable and
energetic agents should also be resorted to-
I would also suggest that arrangements be
made with steamship agents in the princi-
pal ports in the Scandinavian countries to
forward on application to those desiring
information such descriptive matter about
this state as may be furnished them by
the immigration board.
In all our efforts to induce settlers to To-
cate amongst us the organization Of small
colonies of, say, ten or twelve families
should be encouraged, and the advantage
of small farms strongly impressed upon
them.
Wherever possible, arrangements should
be made by the immigration board to have
practical farmers instruct and advise i'm
migrants who may settle in their neighbor-
hood in regard to the peculiarities of the
SOIL ana WHAT KIM OF prOQuCCS II is most
adapted for. I will also suggest that the
state agricultural college be placed in posi-
ton to furnish settlers with fruit trees.
This would not only prove a source of in
come to the state by which some of the ex-
penses Of the immigration movement may
be met, but also save the farmer from be-
coming the victim Of dishonest nursery
agents.
Before close wish to plead the cause
Of the immigrants. From personal expert
ence, I know what difficulties confront
them when they come into this strange
country, and how they are in every way
handicapped. They have left their child
hoods home and mother country with all
that was near and dear to them. Here they
stand in a foreign country, without knowl-
edge Of its language, surrounded by strange
people, new customs, methods and insti-
buttons. They deserve your sympathy and
good will. Do not give them the impression
that they have committed an unlawful act
by having awaited themselves Of the oppor-
tunity and decided to cast their lot amongst
you. Extend to them the right hand Of fell
lowship, and let them feel that they are
welcome, if worthy.
Do this, gentlemen, and can assure you
that the great state of Washington will
have no more loyal citizens and the Union
no more patriotic sons and daughters than
those with Scandinavian blood in their
veins.