The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-11-13
DR.. C. A. Swensson of Bethany
HOnOred by King Oscar.
Kansan Knighted But Congress
May Have to Act.
A NOTABLE OCCASION.
Great Crowds Attend Last Day
of Lindsborg Jubilee.
Degrees Conferred on Several
Prominent Men.

Lindsborg, Kas., Nov. 13.-With clear
skies and crisp air the crowds that
came to the closing ceremonies of Beth
any colleges twentieth anniversary
were the largest of the occasion. They
came by excursion train and in wagons,
and filled the auditorium and college
chapel at each session.
The morning session was notable for
its direct message and honor from King
Oscar of Sweden. The kings letter,
Scheele, was read by DIR. Abrahamson.
Bishop Won Scheele then delivered a
formal address on christianity and
Culture" after which came the inter
esting ceremonial of comforting upon
DR.. Carl Swensson, president of the COLI
lege, the Order of the Northern Star.
1t is a Swedish knighthood honor by the
king on those distinguished for their
work in founding great institutions. In
this instance it is the degree of COM
mander of the order which is received,
DIR. SwenSson being the third to possess
it in this country.
1t was conferred by Bishop Won
Scheele last week on DR.. NJ. Wallis from,
at st. Peter, MINI. DR. Abrahamson, of
Illinois. is the third. having received it
eight years ago.
The ceremony was simple. The bishop
in his clerical dress, himself decorated
with the star of the orders highest de-
gree and his great cross, stepped for
ward, greeted DIR. Swensson, and
pinned on his breast the twinkIing star.
SWensson last night. i did not know
of the intention until yesterday, and
trembled when 1 was told of the honor"
The greatest meeting of the anniver-
sary was held at o'clock, when, in the
auditorium, were 1000 people. Dr.
Swensson read this message from Pres
ident Roosevelt:
please accept for yourself and be
good enough to express to the faculty
and students of your college, my cor
dial congratulations on it's twentieth
nd r71x- hac has ffAt-f c
continued prosperity.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT"
There were also greetings from Yale.
Kansas university, Augustana college,
Adolphus college, St.. Peters Mechlen-
burg college, Pennsylvania, and scores
of congratulations and greetings from
other prominent colleges, schools and
individuals. Augustana college also
sent personal greeting by President
Andreen, and Yale by DR.. w. A Gran
vile, who came as representatives.
Governor Stanley delivered the prin-
eipal address, speaking on Purpose of
Modern Education" 1t was one of his
happiest and most helpful talks, and
was listened to with interest by the
large audience Following this address
came the comforting of honorary de-
grees given by Bethany college, DR..
Swensson making the accompanying
brief remarks. The recipients were:
Degree of LII. D--Governor w. f.
cago; William M. Thomas minister to
Sweden; ]. H. Richards, Fort Scott
Degree of L. H D-Charles Moreau
Harger, Abilene; Major James B. Pond,
Degree Of D. D.-Rev. p. A. cedarstrom.
Olsburg, Kan, the oldest pastor of the
Degree of A M-Prof. Josephine Carl
son. Harper of the Agricultural college,
An address by Rev; G; A Branded.
neapolis, Mimi, the lumber king who has
recently given Bethany $4,000. and music
f1xv4 he oh 1eata f1,eo
In the evening the auditorium was filled
with an interested audience. to hear the
niversarv. It was reaily q m me-
and We're written by. Rev. J. P. Sandsen, |
D. D., of Sweden, father of Prof B. Sand
Hagbard Brase, a teacher in the college, |
who presided at the big. pipe organ |
years old, and is recently from Sweden. |
eog took he Of a the
part; Mr. Sandsen, basso: T. Jaderborg |
Nv MSS o nc
Miss Swensson's solo, lad Astra Per AS (
ncjideS T fhe pJeWeI SONG fre
by Miss 1nez Hughes; violin solo by Miss |
rea chornses 81 from the ags Prof
Thorstenburg conducted the music.
Excursion trains on all roads took home
enthusiasm for education and pride in the |
Bishop Won scheele and party go direct
to Denver to visit the church there, re-
turning to reach Kansas City Friday ev- |
ening.
DR.. SWENSSON WILL ACCEPT.
Lindsborg, Kan. Nov. 13.-Can DR..
Swensson, as an American citizen, receive
an order of knighthood from the King of I
Sweden2 The order of knight commander
of the Northern Star. conferred on Dr. /
Swensson, is more than mere honor:
He is made a member of an established
order of knighthood that is essentially
a kings favor. There are but "a mem
bers of the commanders degree and the
knights degree, to which it leads, has so.
Tt may be necessary for act of con-
gross to allow. the full acceptance of the
order This has always been granted /
when requested 81 do not know about
the requirements in the case said DR..
Swensson- Il am not officeholder, only
a private citizen. and do not think
my acceptance will interfere with my du-
ties as SUCH With one holding office it
would be different"
1t is probable that Congressman Long
will as a matter of courtesy, secure the
passage of a bill granting the privilege of
acceptance
GOES TO STANFORD.