The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1909-12-03
h|EhOR|Al 70
GOV. JOHNSON
GOV. HUGHES, CHARLES A. ToWNE
AND OTHERS DELIVER
ADDRESSES.
IN MONSTER MEETING AT GOTHAM
Meeting Held Under Auspices Of Amer
lean Scandinavian soclety-vast
Auditorium Of Broadway Tab.
ernacle Packed.

New York, Nov. 30.-t was not
able audience that filled the auditorium
Of the Broadway tabernacle, the occa-
sion being memorial service In honor
Of the late Governor John A. johnson
of Minnesota.
]. Edward Swanstrom, former presi-
dent of Brooklyn borough, presided
and the Swedish singing society, Ly-
ran, rendered singing program, as
also did the Broadway tabernacle
choir.
At 4 o'clock, when the services be.
gan, there was not vacant seat In
the vast auditorium, while the entire
rear of the lobby was solid mass of
people, all there to do honor to that
dead executive whose memory will
long be remembered and whose life is
held up as an example and an instance
Of how man can raise himself from
theh humblest of positions in society to
a place of leadership.
Among the notables present was
Ex-Governor E. H. Hopper of Colorado;
Henry Clews, the New York banker;
Governor Hughes, Charles A. Towne.
and A. J. Johnson, Scandinavian consul
at New York.
President Taft had been invited, but
pressing business kept him from &C.
cepting the invitation and he sent the
following telegram to Mr.. Swanstrom:
1.-The White House, Washington.
"My dear sir:
II have yours of Nov. 6, inviting
me to attend the memorial meeting in
honor of the memory of the late Gov.
ernor Johnson of Minnesota, to be held
in New York City on Sunday, Nov.
% inst, p. NJ, under the auspices of
the American Scandinavian society.
Il am very sorry that it will be i'm
possible, because of the press Of pub
lie matters, for me to attend the meet
ing. knew Governor Johnson, valued
him highly as a friend, and regarded
his promotion to the governorship of a
great state, and to national promi-
nence as statesman and citizen, as
one of the best evidences of the equal
ity of opportunity that we have in this
country, and on the fact that high
ability and intelligence, will enable
man to raise himself from the hum
blest position in society to be a lead
er among us.
Il happened to be in Minneapolis
at the time Of Governor Johnson's
last illness, and expressed my deep
sympathy with his fellow citizens at
the great loss which they would suffer
In his death.
Every sincerely yours,
(Signed) WILLIAM H. TAFT"
The Rev. DR.. Heckler opened the
services with short prayer; this was
followed by addresses by Rev. Fred
erick Lynch, vice president of the
Scandinavian society; by Mr.. Towne
and by the Rev. Stolpa, pastor of the
largest Scandinavian church in the
city, the Gustavus Adolphus church.
The principal speech of the day was
made by Governor Hughes. He said
in part: 1--WE have met today to pay
tribute, respect and esteem to the
character and service of a great man.
We are united without regard to So
cial, racial or political divisions. Such
Is the beneflcient and harmonizing in
fluence of a great life and such is the
immediate response that all Ameri-
cans make to eminent public service
and exhibition of rare qualities of
mind and character.
Il am very glad of an opportunity
to express the sentiment Of which the
people of this state join the people of
Minnesota and all states in adimra-
ton and affectionate regard of pure
minded, able and efficient leader of
the people. 1t is a revelation of his
progress from lowliness and obscurity
to the high position Of distinction
which he reached.