Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - XXIX. The Causes of Immigration—American Influence on Europe, and Especially on Sweden—The Condition of the Swedes in America—American Characteristics—Antipathy against Foreigners—The Swedish Press on America—American Heiresses
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253 Story of an Emigtiant. 272
Denmark, and Northern Germany. Another case in point is
the system of taxation which notably gives unprincipled men
of wealth opportunities for escape, while the poorer classes
are taxed for the full amount of their property, the burden
thus falling proportionately heaviest where it ought to be
lightest, and vice versa. Again, the laws which make
possible rings, monopolies, and trusts, to the great prejudice of the
people, or permit gambling on the produce of the country as
carried on in the great commercial marts of America, robbing
the producer of the fair wages of his toil, and many other
things which would not be tolerated among the nations of
Europe. Thus it lies within the power of one man, in thisour
great state of Minnesota and other states, to make or unmake
cities, towns, and communities, b}^ a single edict locating a
railroad, fixing a time-table, and in many other ways
exercising arbitrary power that no European ruler would think
of assuming. The execution of our laws, also, in many
places has proven highly unsatisfactory, often making our
much-boasted jury system, especially in criminal cases, a
farce and a disgrace.
The trouble is that political demagogues and Fourth of
July orators continually keep pointing out only the best
sides of our institutions, which undoubtedly are both many
and great, while few have the courage to speak of the
defects and short-comings.
As for the conduct of the native Americans toward the
immigrants who settle among them, I venture to say that
although they consider themselves very tolerant, and are so
in a general way, they are in many respects very intolerant
and prejudiced; but this is owing to a lack of knowledge
concerning other nations. It is true that the immigrant,
especially from the north of Europe, is bidden welcome, and is
generally well received, but he is expected to be content with
shoveling dirt, chopping wood, carrying water, plowing the
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