Show scandinavian population big factor in progress of northwestern states by GOV J A A BURNQUIST ol of mum minnesota the people of scandinavian birth biah or descent in minnesota and other northwestern dates are le one of the greatest factors in the progress of this section of the united states they were pioneers in the settlement of the idest west and they are arc doing pioneer work in all progressive legislation the scandinavians came to america in large numbers after the close of our civil war the majority of the immigrants came to the states in in the middle west they ca came me partly because they thought their opportunities tuni ties for material advancement were better here than in the old country but more because they liked the liberty afforded here because it gave them better opportunities for education and a greater participation in the government 1 from the beginning they have taken an active interest in local state and national government wherever they have settled they have quickly established schools and churches they have given liberal support to our public schools and universe uni universities versi ties and in addition have established many academies and colleges of their own As voters the scandinavians in the th northwest have been intelligent and progressive they have taken the lead in many of the movements 1 which have resulted in reform legislation marty many progressive measures would have been delayed or lave have failed entirely had they not had the support of the scandinavian voters our scandinavian population is not only interested in making good laws but in their enforcement in administrative offices loth both state and loc althey have usually shown themselves trustworthy and efficient efficient and in in the various communities they have always given their support to officials who endeavor to do right and they have been quick to condemn those who are arc lax in their duties a |