Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1906-06-15

NOrway's Independence.

June 7th the date of Norway's sep
aratiOn from Sweden and the adOp-
tiOn Of constitution and practical
self government is now recognized as
the day when the gallant sons of Nor
way will celebrate national independ-
ence all over the world. In order
that the Norwegian-Amer Of
Lincoln county should properly re-
cOgniZe the event, the Grieg-Sangfor-
ening of Canton, one of the famous
singing societies of the Northwest,
decided several weeks ago to honor
the Fatherland, and as an orator for
the occasion they invited Hon. Coe /.
Crawford who promptly accepted the
L. Erickson of Sioux Falls to deliver
an address in the mother tongue.
President Knudson of the Griegs
with other active members of the So
ciety made all arrangements and pro-
vided a delightful program which was
given in the big auditorium down in
Dobson Park.
At 1890 the Harrisburg band, in
handsome uniform, played few Sc
lections on the corner of Fifth and
Main and then proceeded to the
Park.
| at 2 O'Clock the afternoon program
began and was opened by selection
from the band, then followed several
selections by the Wendt Orchestra
which won them generous applause.
President Knudson of the Grieg
society delivered his annual address
covering briefly the salient features
Of Norway's history. At the conclus-
ion of his remarks he introduced the
Mayor of the city, who delivered the
address of welcome.
Mayor Gemmill was accorded a
hearty greeting when he arose to
speak, and before he got through
everybody in that splendid audience
found they we're thrice welcome and
the proverbial keys of the city were
lost The Mayor made decided hit
as public speaker and knows how to
entertain an audience.
| The Griegs sang Norway's National
flynn and were given hearty en-
core.
The next number on the program
was a solo by Mrs. Frank Anderson OF
| Webster. She is sister of President
Knudson Of the Griegs, and comes
from musical family. She has
voice of great power, marvelously
sweet and clear. Many eminent
singers have been heard in the audi
torium, but none have surpassed her
in power of voice or sweetness of tone.
She is tall and graceful and handsome
with a figure that any woman on
earth might envy. All Canton would
be delighted to hear her during the
assembly. Her second number was in
response to generous applause and
again she won the hearts of all.
The orator Of the day, Hon. Coe l.
Crawford, was next introduced, and it
is needless to say had an audience of
admirers who heard historical ad-
dress with reference to Norway and
her people. He was generously ap-
plauded as he pictured the glories and
power and independence of people
whose influence for good has left it's
mark on many nations. At the con-
clusion of his address he was given
renewed evidence of the high appreci-
alton of our people. The Grieg's fol-
lowed Mr.. Crawford with "Crawford
Song" that was arranged for the oc-
casion by G. S. Hanson of the Griegs.
1t set the audience wild and none
seemed to enjoy it better than he in
whose honor it was written.
THE CRAWFORD SONG.
There is music in the air. Coe I. Crawford:
You can hear it everywhere. Coe 1. Crawford:
All the plains surrounding you. clear from
Canton on the Sioux.
All will cast their vote for you. Coe I. Craw-
ford.
Yes we'll vote for Crawford straight when we
vote,
VOTE " ..
blessed minute.
When the boys begin to vote for Crawford.
Oh. tits hard to keep you down. Coe I, Craw-
ford:
They're for you in every town, Coe I. Craw-
ford:
Every man along the Sioux and the boys who
wore the Blue.
All are going to vote for you.C oe I. Crawford