Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - XXVIII. Home from India—A Friendly Reception—Journey to New Mexico—The Maxwell Land Grant Company—Renewed Visits to England and Holland—Re-elected Secretary of State—Visit of the Swedish Officers in Minneapolis and St. Paul—Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Landing of the First Swedes in Delaware
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253 Story of an Emigtiant. 272
arrived for the new world to take its place among tlie nations with a new
and powerful cosmopolitan race, the Scandinavian people were also chosen
to contribute a part in that grand work, and that it was especially reserved
for the ’men of the people’ to receive in this country free and equal
oppor-tunitv for their development. Who can fail to see the stamp of the
Scandinavian people on the entire social fabric of the new world ?
44 We would l>e forgetful if we did not gratefully remember the great good
which the fatherland has bestowed upon us from tender childhood to the
very hour when we bid it farewell; we would be unworthy of the name and
fame of our fathers if we did not honor and love as a dear mother the ever
memorable land of our birth, and you, its worthy representatives, as our
relatives and brothers.
44 Your presence among us is a proud event, and its remembrance shall l>e
cherished as one of the most pleasant. And when you return to those dear
places where we took the first steps on life’s eventful journey, we wish you
to take back cordial greetings from us all, and say to our kindred that we
teach our children to love and honor the people and institutions in the
Northern lands, although they havenever seen them; and say to them that,
far out in the wide West by the laughing water of Hiawatha, and hundreds
of miles beyond, are friends and brothers whose fidelity and affection neither
time nor distance can obliterate."
The address was responded to with much feeling by Col.
Liljehok of Sweden. The festivities continued amid
addresses, music and song until long past midnight. The following
day the guests were shown around thecity, after which they
visited St. Paul, where they also received a cordial welcome,
and were presented to the governor.
The following year, on the 14-th of September, an event
took place which deserves particular mention. It was the
celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of
the landing of the first "Swedish settlers on the Delaware.
The Revs. J. Enstam and C. J. Petri, together with myself,
in the middle of the summer callcd a meeting of
Swedish-American citizens to prepare for such celebration.
Committees were appointed and elaborate preparations made, to
which nearly all the Swedes lent a willing and helping hand.
The great exposition building was given up to our use;
bands of music were engaged, a choir of one hundred and
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