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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IS 298.2
Story of an Emigrant.
pect nothing better than the poor-house in his old age in
Sweden has become an able and useful citizen in this country!
When the poor young laboring man or woman, who in
Sweden has felt the oppression of poverty and looked
forward to a life without hope, arrives in this country, the
timid, bashful looks give way to hopefulness and self-reliance.
It is true that this is often carried too far, especially in the
line of expensive and extravagant dress, which sometimes
makes the wearer appear ridiculous; but these are trifles,
the main thing being that those people learn to know their
own worth, and are able to create a brighter future for
themselves.
The tact and manner acquired within a short time
bveom-mon laborers who looked thoughtless and careless while at
home, are simply astonishing. A Swedish diplomat, who
visited Minnesota twenty years ago, and, among others,
met one of his father’s former farm laborers, who was now
in good circumstances, in an official report to the
government of Sweden expressed his astonishment at the change
which the Swedish people had undergone in that respect.
It cannot be denied that many among the higher classes in
Sweden feel very unfriendly toward the United States, and
it was even not long ago a common saying among them*
"America is the paradise of all rogues and rascals."
Many Americans suppose themselves to be better than all
others, and believe their country and institutions to be perleet.
In this they are mistaken, for in several respects this country
is as yet in its infancy, and has many defects which the
countries in the north of Europe have long since outgrown. As
one instance I would mention that the school system is
altogether too dependent 011 local influences, so that while the
common schools in the northern cities and towns are very
fine,—in some instances perfect,—those in the country rate
very low compared with the same class in Sweden, Norway,
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