New-York tribune., 1900-06-24

the Council Of Maine. number Of the members
OF Congress from the Pine Tree State and the
father O. the colony, W. ". Thomas. 5r.. Amer
lean Minister 10 Sweden and Norway.
The American Envoy 10 Scandinavia comes. in
E Way. a special envoy from the King of
that northern peninsula 70 his former subjects
in this country, since he brings from the genial
monarch a note Of greeting written by his own
hand. conveying his warm well wishes both
for the still surviving native Swedes and their
posterity IN the colony, and also for the con-
tinued progress and prosperity Of this new home
land so vividIy recalling the former old
Sweden ." ana the latest photograph Of the
King which also bears his autograph Mr.
Thomas could offer no more welcome souvenirs
from the fatherland than the Kings good
wishes. but he is the bearer, too, Of what viii
be equally appreciated by these Swedish colon
lists who have become loyal and patriotic
Americans, greetings from President Mckinley
and q large photograph with his autograph,
which. with King Oscars letter and portrait,
viii be received with four royal cheers and
deposited n the archives Of New-Sweden.
The history of this colony IS unusual and
interesting one. IN 1870 W W. Thomas. jr-,
Commissioner Of Immigration for Maine. sailed
70 Scandinavia, where he recruited a colony of
picked Swedes, and within forty days after he
had landed IN Sweden sailed back again TO
America with his charges. The colony, num-
bering some fifty souls all told. men, women and
children, was led by its founder up the St.
John River and into the primeval forests Of
the north Of Maine, eight miles beyond where
The 1urthesr American pioneer had ventured
and where the settlers axe had never before
res0unded
MINISTER THOMAS a GREAT FAVORLTE
They settled on what was then Township No,
J. Ridge No. T. and began at once 10 fell the
forest. build Ioghouses, roads and bridges, and
10 clear The ground for the raising of crops
From the moment they took possession Of this
wilderness their prosperity began, and after
four years OF devoted work, Of unselhsh conse-
Grafton TO the people he had tempted across the
sea Ar- Thomas feeling that the colony had
taken permanent root IN the rugged soil OF
Maine and had become self-supportins, left II
10 act alone But in the years he worked with
the settlers shoulder 10 shoulder. cheering them
by his constant sympathy stimulating them by
his own efforts. Mr.. Thomas won the undying
gratitude an5 affection OF these simple people,
who invariably refer 10 him as father, While
he speaks oS and 10 them his children IN
the woods"
Their pastor. the Rev. NJ L. Norberg, echoed
The sentiments Of every soul in New-SWeden
when he SAID:
1lr. Thomas, in founding New-Sweden you
obituary VIII be written 'unseltshness, gz1 gTe4I
foresight and the wish 10 do good 70 your telio"
men" You We're the author and the executor.
You not only conceived the idea. but stood at
the helm and carried II out, and il has proved q
success II We may judge by looking at results
twenty-five years ago these early pioneers tot-
lowed you over the ocean They followed you
because they had faith IN you, and without that
ialth ia you none Of these people would have
made what is now NeW-SWeden- You are not
only the founder Of the colony. but you have
always cared for Il as father, and your chill
cren in the woods have always looked up 10 you
as such, and they viii remember you as Father
Thomas long tradition lasts and history
lives For this and many other things which
you have accomplished you are and viii be
honored- May your life be long and happy, and
may you see before you leave this earth New
Sweden pass the point Of your highest anucipa-
uoDs. And when your work is finished here be-
low We would II Il were possible, put upon your
head crown Of everlasting stars
Mr. Thomas's children in the woods" take
The greatest pride IN his career. Appointed
Consul 10 Sweden by President Lincoln, MI
fhoTaas during the several years he remained
mere made deep study OF the country, it's peo-
PIE sno traditions. learned its language so that
he could speak and write il as auently as his
own and his TRANSACTIONS. indeed. OF the SWed-
-sh classics have won not only the enconiums OF
LIS o@n countryHen, but Of literary people all