New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-09-02
Names Swedish Colonu
4 Striking Achievement in Prosperity
and characterization

and characterization
To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: was much interested in letter
published in The Tribune Of August 10
upon the "Swedes in New Jersey"
In correcting statement that had
appeared in previous issue, the writer
said: "For traces of Swedish and other
Scandinavian influence, therefore, we
must consider contemporaneous history
in the Western states"
While that in broad sense is un-
doubtedly tEue, it cannot be accepted
without qualifications, for there is
vigorous Swedish colony in northern
Maine that justly claims attention both
for it's praiseworthy history and for its
present influence in the industrial life
Of the state.
In 1870, the Hon. W. W. Thomas, who
had been United States War Consul to
Sweden, brought company Of fifty-one
Swedes as colonists to northern Maine.
On July % Of this year the fifteenth
anniversary of the establishment Of this
colony was celebrated at New Sweden,
at which Governor Milliken, with his
STAFF, the Hon. W. W. Thomas, now
eighty years Old, and other distinguished
guests were present
The address of Mr.. Thomas, giving
complete history Of the events lead
ing up to the selection Of the colonists,
the qualifications Of character and
skill demanded Of each prospective
member, the establishment and growth
of the colony, and its contribution to the
development and resources of Maine, is
q remarkable record of foresight, faith
and practical judgment in colonization,
and is we'll worth studying as suggest
ing the value Of an intelligent policy Of
immigration for the whole country.
1.-THE Story Of New Sweden" said Mr..
Thomas, "has no parallel in New Eng
I land since the United States became u
nation. This Swedish settlement is the
only successful agricultural colony
founded in New England with foreign
ers from over the ocean since the Revo-
lutionary War. 1t Is more than this.
There is not in the United States
more well-to-do, orderly, prosperous,
contented and happy agricultural COM
munity than the New Sweden Of Maine.
"And it is with joy and pride l can
add that throughout the whole length
and breadth Of our land you cannot find
q moro patriotic settlement.
"New Sweden, though founded with
foreigners from another continent, is
to-day just 100 per cent American, and
in the great World War just won, New
Sweden-to her honor be it said-sub-
scribed to more than her allotment of
Liberty bonds, and she sent more than
her quota of her sons overseas to fight
for American ideals of liberty and civ
llization"
To those Of US who believe that the
ideals which made the New England
of our ancestors a mighty force in
shaping the character and destiny of
our nation are Of equal value today the
following statement of Mr.. Thomas is
especially significant:
among the causes that have con-
tributed most largely to the success
of New Sweden are the industry, the
economy, the honesty, the temperance
and the deep religious faith of the COL
onists themselves. There has never been
a rum shop in New Sweden and there
never will be, and the churches Of New
Sweden are filled with sincere worship
ers every Sunday"
EMMA ]. C. RAND.
Lewiston, Me-, Aug 30, 1920.