Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-10-21
NOTED men OF
SWEDEN GIVEN
BIC RECEPTION
Rock Island Warmly Greets and
Pleasantly Entertains DeIega-
ton TO Labor Conference.


representative of the Swedish
government, who are in this coun-
try to attend the international labor
conference in Washington. The
conference does not open for sew
eral days and the party is travel
ing around seeing this country.
The delegates arrived at o'clock
yesterday afternoon and were met
by DR.. Gustav A Andreen, presi-
dent Of Augustana college. who
took them in charge during the
visit. Immediately after arrival
the party was taken in autos 10
Augustana college, where coffee
was served, after which they were
shown through the college. At 4
o'clock a short trip to the arsenal
and to Davenport was made, re-
turning at $50 for the dinner that
lad been arranged in their honor.
When the party entered the ban
quet hall there we're rs invited
guests waiting for than, and after
everyone had been introduced by
DR.. Andreen the DINER was served.
The guests from the tTi-cittes in
Guided Representatives from the
Tri-City Manufacturers associa-
ton, members of the Tri-City Fed
Grafton of Labor, city representa-
tives, members of the press, Cham
Der of Commerce and the board and
faculty Of AugUstana college.
Students Present
Everyone was surprised when
shortly after the banquet started
the students of Augustana enmasse
appeared in the hall and three
rousing cheers we're given for
Sweden Conrad Lindquist, a
student. acted as POSTMASTER for
the college. who gave welcome on
behalf Of Augustanna college to
the delegates. The toast was an
swered by Dr.. Gunner Huss, presi-
dent of the government labor
board, who made a short response,
spe. king in Swedish.
A pleasing address in Swedish
was delivered by Conrad Burg
rudolph, a student at Augustana
which was given a great round OF
applause by the distinguished
guests.
Miss Hasselgren Speaks.
One of the best talks of the even
ing was given by Miss Kerstin Hes
selgren, the only woman delegate
of the party. She has given much
of her time to the study of econ
omic conditions and to education
in Sweden.
In her talk she expressed her
wish TO learn more of American
Swedes, and stated that she was
more impressed with the city and
people here, than airy other place
she had visited in America, and
that the students, to whom ker ad-
dress was made, actually looked
like Swedes. Most Of Miss Hassel
gren's speech was along educational
fines, and with explanations Of the
school system in her native coun-
try. 1t is the desire in Sweden to
first see that every one receives a
free education, in whatever line
that may be chosen for man or
woman. All professions are recOg-
nized and a professional education
is also given. This system" says
Miss Hesselgren, took much time
to organize but it is now permG-
nent." She also expressed her de-
light at the educational opportuui-
ties here.
Won Koch Introduced.
Senator Hatred Won Koch made
a very pleasing address, his Eng
lish being very distinct. Won Koch
is chief of charities and delivered h
message from the Swedish govern
ment. In his speech he started
with explaining of the wealth and
growth of Sweden in the last few
years, and of the increase in pro-
duction He then dwelt upon the
democracy of Sweden, claiming Il
to be the most democratic country
in the world, and that it is far
ahead of any country in handling
labor questions. A great deal Of
his time was given to explaining
the conditions of the women. The
women of Sweden, said Mr.. Won
Koch, are on an equal basis with
the men and they are given the
same opportunity as men to fit
themselves in the schools in their
chosen profession or trade Strikes
in Sweden are impossible, owing to
the fact that the head of the EN-
pIoyes' and the employers assOcia-
ton work together and all labor
troubles are settled by them. Won
Koch ended his speech with a toast
to the United States and to the
Swedes in America.
General Goes, the Swedish con-
sui, was unable to attend but was
represented by Rev. Phillip An
dreen, brother of DR.. Andreen. He
is on the advisory board of the
Swedish council in Chicago, having
charge of the social department.
All the members of the party Gu
ioyed the evening, and several Of
them led cheers in response to the
college yells given by the students
Leaders Are Silent.
All eyes were on Herman Lind
quist. the great leader of the work
ers in Sweden with expectations of
hearing him speak, but Mr.. Lind
quist did not make a talk. HAL
mar Won Lydow. the head Of the
sapital interests or employers as
sociation was also expected to talk
but remained silent the entire eve
ming. Won Lydow and Lindquist,
two of the most important men in
Sweden. work in cooperation with
each other, and all labor troubles
are settled by them. and a strike
in Sweden is unknown owing to the
excellent conditions for the work
ing class.
After dinner was finished, Dr..