Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1932-07-28
A WORLD CHARACTER is
HONORED

HONOkED
The nationality intolerance of a
few years ago when the German Ian
guage was thrown head first out OF
American high schools and colleges,
folks were abused for talking their
mother tongue, and other acts of in
tolerance and ignorance were freely
displayed, has about run its course.
It is practically only the nitwits who
display such intolerance any more.
Folks who read little know that
there are able men and women in all
countries, that there is good litera-
ture in all countries and there is
something to be learned through the
exchange of thoughts. America has
been glad to get immigrants, espe-
cially from northern Europe where
the hopes, aspirations, and ideals OF
the people are much like those in
America. When folks come to these
shores at the age of thirty or past
often man and wife with small chill
dren-any one that uses judgment
knows that those parents will never
become able to use the language OF
their adopted country as fluently as
their mother tongue. Therefore in
that first generation on the new
shores it becomes necessary to use
the mother tongue in the home if the
children are not to miss out on much
of the best to be offered them in life
the teachings of the home. And fur
thermore, folks acquiring a new Ian
guage at the age of thirty or past
cannot be expected to read books in
that new language and get as much
out of it as in the mother tongue.
But as above stated. that intolerance
which prevailed some years ago, is
about gone, and if anyone starts now
to heller" against foreign languages,
unless there is some grounds for CON-
plant he is just laughed out OF
court"
Just last Sunday $4,000 people gath
cred at Nokomis park in Minneapolis
to honor the great Norwegian poet,
playwright and statesman, Bjorn-
stjerne Bjornson. The Tooth anniver-
sary of his birth is being celebrated
this year. The mayor of Minneapolis,
William A. Anderson, spoke at this
gathering and Knud Wefald, former
congressman, spoke in the Norwegian
language. The celebration was spon-
sored by the Norwegian National
League of Minneapolis, and the affair
was given more than a column write
up on the front page of The Mime
apolis Tribune Monday.
Sundays gram of music,
speeches, dancing, games and sports
was the first of a series of three
events to be conducted this year by
Minneapolis Norwegians in honor of
Bjornstjerne Bjornson. On December
8, the one-hundreth anniversary Of
his birth, there will be a program in
his honor at Northrup Memorial audi
forum. On December IL, one of his
most popular plays will be presented
by an outstanding Norwegian cast.
Il find," declared Mayor Anderson,
THAT Minnesota has more NOrwegians
than any other state in the Union, and
that Minneapolis has more than any
other city in the country. The fact
that so many people of Norwegian
birth came to this state penniless and
made good, is tribute to their coun-
try. l find that Norwegians also have
made good as statesmen. In Mime
sofa, Norwegians have contributed
nors, IL congressman. three senators
and eight secretaries of state besides
a host of others who have occupied
less important Offices"
Mr.. Wefald praised the life of
Bjernstjerne Bjernson, calling him
the greatest of all Norwegians. He
referred to him as the champion of
the weak, and as poet who was
able to write songs that infused the
love of country in the heart of every
Norwegian. Mr.. Wefald declared
Bjornson was the greatest orator Nor
way ever had, and also credited him
with the selection of the present flag
and its colors of red, white and blue
just as those of the United States.
Folk dances by men and women in
Norwegian costumes made up part
of the program as did also bridal
professional. Those taking part in
the bridal professional were CARRIED in
genuine Hardanger bridal costumes
The Roosevelt high school band gave
a concert and the whole affair was
educational and uplifting.
America is none the worse off for
having that kind Of citizens in its