Evening star., 1936-03-23
GIFT Of NORWAY
PLACED IN CAPITOL
Friendship of Two Nations
Is Cited as Congress
Accepts Painting.

The long history of unbroken peace
and friendship between the United
States and Norway was acclaimed as
an example to the world of the type
of international friendship and un-
dersta nding which must prevail II the
world Is to know real peace and
progress. by speakers at the colorful
ceremony in Statuary Hall at the
Capitol today as Congress accepted
from the people OF Norway the paint
ing of the discovery of America by
Lew EirikSson.
In accepting the painting on behalf
OF Congress and the American people,
Senator Barkley Of Kentucky and
Speaker Byrns paid tribute TO the
achievements of American citizens of
Norwegian descent who have played
America.
We owe q debt of gratitude 10
those Norwegisns who have settled
among us and who nov are among
our most valued citizens" Speaker
Byrns said
In ceremony which was broe edcsst
| over a national network in this coun-
try and by short wave to Norway.
the painting was presented by DR.. ALI
Bjercke of Oslo. Norway, who was
introduced by the Norwegian Minister,
Wilhelm Morgenstierne.
Task "imminently CongeniaI."
If the essence of true diplomacy is
, 10 emphasize what reveals and unites:
II it Is to Great mutual understand
ing and good will between nen and be-
tween nations" the Norwegian Minis
ter said. this ceremony is a task
imminently consenial and appropriate
The real incentive behind this
presentation undoubtedly is. first. love
OF historic truth, and, second, the
deep affection which the several mil
lion America ms of Norwegian ancestry
feel for this country and its people
, There is something fine and in
spring in the fact that no question
OF size plays an part in the funda-
mental understanding and friendship
between one nation Of 1870 00O, 900 and
one Of 5000 900. Here pr two great
nations. in the true sense of the word.
| joining hands across the sea, rejoicing
that not only do they have the same
colors in their f1ags but also the same
ideals in their hearts"
In presenting the painting on behs If
Of hundreds of Norwegians who con-
triouted to the fund for its purchase
Or. Bjercke expressed gratitude 10
Congress for its expression of friend
ship In agreeing to accept the painting.
Cites Historic Moment.
Il venture to assert" he said, that
/ there are few moments in history as
dramatic as when our NorN egian an
cestors landed for the first time on
| American shores. They discovered for
/ the first time the soil which later mas
! given bread and power TO the worlo S
mightiest Nation, the United States
! of today"
Senator Barley pointed out tnat
although the NOrwegisns formerly
were among the most warlike IN the
world. there now are no greater lovers
of peace or greater contributors to In
ternationsl understanding than the
people of Norway" Senator Bsrkley
said that many of Americas great
statesmen are OF Norwegian an
cestry.
The presentst ton OF this painting
is beautiful conception. because there
never has existed between the United
States and Norway anything but the
most cordial friendship" the Senator
said
The painting, showing the Nor
Wegisn explorer at the moment wnen
he first saw the American mainland
is copy of the original by Christis n
krohg now hanging in the NationsI
Gallery at Oslo. The copy is by the
painters son. Per krong. Vice Presi-
dent Garner presided. The prayer was
delivered by the Rev. James Sners
Montgomery, cha plain of the House
and there was music by the United
States Marine Bsno.