Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - X. The Importance of the Scandinavian Element—A Swede Elected Secretary of State in Minnesota—False Rumors of Indian Depredations—The Northern Pacific Railroad is Built—Trip to Philadelphia—The National Convention at Indianapolis—Delegation to Washington—A Swedish Colony in Mississippi Moved to Minnesota—The Second Voyage to Europe
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Story of an Emigrant.
3 35
preparations were made for carrying out my agreement with
Jay Cooke to go to Europe for an indefinite time. Having
been criticised by some of my countrymen, for resigning the
office of secretary of state at that time, I owe them the
following explanation: First: Personally, I was compaia
tively poor, and the salary which I received from the go "
ernment, with the great draw-backs for all sorts of charities
and public enterprises, which an official in that position has
to meet, was insufficient to support me and my family, and
I considered that I had the same rights as any other citizen
to better my pecuniary condition, which I did by accepting
the offer of Jay Cooke. Secondly: It was of greater
importance to the public, and I could render better service to the
state at this period of its early development, as agent for a
great railroad company, which fact was fully recognized by
our leading public men, and it was with their advice and at
their earnest request that I took the step. I accordingly
tendered my resignation to the governor of our state, but
he, out of polite consideration, preferred that I should take
a leave of absence until fall, when the people would have an
opportunity i± the political convention, to designate my
successor, air wrote me the following letter:
" State of Minnesota,
" Executive Department.
"St. Paul, May 25, 1871.
"Col. H. Mattzon, Secretary of State:
" Dear Sir: ^earning that it is your intention, on taking your departure
for Europe, to resign your office of secretary of state, allow me to ask you
to reconsidei that resolution. You will leave a very competent deputy,
perfectly acquainted with all the duties of the office, and in whose
integrity, as well as in his honesty, the public have unlimited confidence. Within
a few moutiis your successor will be indicated by the delegates chosen by
the people, comprising the dominant part\r of the state, and then he may
be appointed, if you are to resign at all, with no uncertainty as to the
popular choice of the individual who should fill that important post. For
these reasons I hope you will conclude to withhold your resignation, at
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