The Fridtjof Nansen Visit
|
On August 25th, 1897, the "Dagbladet" newspaper of Oslo reported on Fridtjof Nansen's visit to New York City:
"To to receive Professor Nansen, when he in October comes to New York, and to arrange the festivities in his honor, the following gentlemen are named: Finance committee: Gotfred Pedersen, Hans H. Widness, photographer Christensen, I. F. Iversen, Wm. Schmidt. Reception committee: Vice-counsel Chr. Ravn, Dr. Peter Groth, Dr. Fred. Björn, Pedro Christensen, editor Martin Nilsen. Event committee: Captain Ludw. Blix, clerk Fr. Gruner, Sophus Olsen, G. P. Usland, Samuel Harris." |
On August 27th, 1897, "Nordisk Tidende" reported:
"In the previous issue, we may have made a formal error by referencing the proceedings of the meeting. It stated that those wishing to take part in the boat trip had to sign at least $5 on the guarantee list, before they could get access to buy a ticket for an additional $5. We must correct this to the effect that the same also applies to the Committee. Nor can it participate on any other terms.
We also ran the risk of omitting a few names who had already appeared on the guarantee list, namely Capt. Ludv. Blix, who was one of the first to subscribe and has already paid his contribution. Also Mr. C. Ullenæss, superintendent of the Seamen's Mission. Likewise, quite a few new drawings have been added, so the list now, based on what we have been able to experience to date, is as follows:
H. Williamsburg $25; Consul Woxen $20; Consul Ravn $20 Captain Ludv. Blix $10; Superintendent C. Ulleness $10; Master Mechanic Christiansen, West Troy [with pledge of extra $10 if needed] $10; Pastor Eversen $10; Edw. O. Lee $10; Ihlseng $10; Colonial merchant Anderson, 637 Henry Street $10; Bookseller I. F. Iverson $10; Doctor Harald Bryn $10; Pedro Christensen $10; E. Klinckenbeng $10; Dr. Peter Groth $10; Gotfred Pedersen $10; Wilhelm Schmidt $10; Photographer Christensen $10; Dentist Fr. Bjorn $10; Olaf Strom $10; Apothecary Tengelsen $10; Johan Christoffersen $10; Lawyer Aug. Reimert $10; "Nordisk Tidende' $10; Dentist Siqveland $5; Fred. Gruner $5; Jacob Wagle $5; Chas. Olsen $5; S. G. Blix $5; Samuel Harris $5; S. C. Foss $5; Otto Amundsen $5; Sophus Olsen $5; Oscar Eneboe $5; Engineer Gundersen $5; Arne Daehli $5; A. Brun $5; P. Lillehagen $5; Captain Emil Singdalsen $5; Clerk Ram $5; Gustav Gudbradson, 'Viking' [with pledge of extra $10 if needed] $5; 'Nordiske Blade' $3.
Total $353"
"In the previous issue, we may have made a formal error by referencing the proceedings of the meeting. It stated that those wishing to take part in the boat trip had to sign at least $5 on the guarantee list, before they could get access to buy a ticket for an additional $5. We must correct this to the effect that the same also applies to the Committee. Nor can it participate on any other terms.
We also ran the risk of omitting a few names who had already appeared on the guarantee list, namely Capt. Ludv. Blix, who was one of the first to subscribe and has already paid his contribution. Also Mr. C. Ullenæss, superintendent of the Seamen's Mission. Likewise, quite a few new drawings have been added, so the list now, based on what we have been able to experience to date, is as follows:
H. Williamsburg $25; Consul Woxen $20; Consul Ravn $20 Captain Ludv. Blix $10; Superintendent C. Ulleness $10; Master Mechanic Christiansen, West Troy [with pledge of extra $10 if needed] $10; Pastor Eversen $10; Edw. O. Lee $10; Ihlseng $10; Colonial merchant Anderson, 637 Henry Street $10; Bookseller I. F. Iverson $10; Doctor Harald Bryn $10; Pedro Christensen $10; E. Klinckenbeng $10; Dr. Peter Groth $10; Gotfred Pedersen $10; Wilhelm Schmidt $10; Photographer Christensen $10; Dentist Fr. Bjorn $10; Olaf Strom $10; Apothecary Tengelsen $10; Johan Christoffersen $10; Lawyer Aug. Reimert $10; "Nordisk Tidende' $10; Dentist Siqveland $5; Fred. Gruner $5; Jacob Wagle $5; Chas. Olsen $5; S. G. Blix $5; Samuel Harris $5; S. C. Foss $5; Otto Amundsen $5; Sophus Olsen $5; Oscar Eneboe $5; Engineer Gundersen $5; Arne Daehli $5; A. Brun $5; P. Lillehagen $5; Captain Emil Singdalsen $5; Clerk Ram $5; Gustav Gudbradson, 'Viking' [with pledge of extra $10 if needed] $5; 'Nordiske Blade' $3.
Total $353"
On September 6th, 1897, the English-language newspaper "Times Union" reported on disagreements among the Nansen committee members:
"Nansen May Come Ungreeted. Norwegians at Loggerheads over Reception Plans. Parade in Honor of the Arctic Explorer May be Abandoned Owing to a Dispute Between Advocates of a Fifteen-dollar per Head Affair and Those Who Favor an Immense Public Gathering at Twenty-five Cents per Capita. What undoubtedly promised to be a great affair among our local citizens of Norse extraction seems on the eve of going to smash on account of internal dissensions among tho people interested. Some time ago, as was announced in the Times, a committee was appointed to arrange for a grand reception of the renowned Arctic explorer, Dr. Frithjof Nansen. Sub-committees were set to work and everything ran smoothly. Money came in thick and fast, enabling the committees in charge to do things on a large scale. Now all is changed. Mr. Emil Nielsen, the editor of the Nordiske Tidende, gets the blame for having fomented all the trouble. He was a member of the committee, and when he heard that the other members of the committee had decided to charger a steamer to receive Nansen at $5 a ticket and give a banquet at $10 a plate, his blood boiled with indignation. He wanted a popular reception, giving people of moderate means a chance to participate. The story of the trouble was given to a Times man yesterday, by M. G. Pedersen, who is a prominent Norwegian and Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Dr. Nansen Committee. Said he: 'Yes, it is true that this man, Emil Nielsen, has made trouble. In his newspaper of Tuesday he attacked his fellow-members on the committee, and especially the Rev. Mr. Everson, our Chairman. He says we are too fine to be in company with plain people and that is the reason why we have decided to put a big pice on tickets and make the whole thing on an elaborate scale. He wants a cheap affair, where everybody can come, and, by paying 25 cents, get loaded up with beer and other stuff. And now he raises the class distinction and threatens to have a reception for the plain people, as he is pleased to call his followers, giving them a sail and all they can drink and eat at a bargain. The result is that our committee has decided to expel him. It looks as though the whole thing would fall to the ground, for Dr. Nansen will certainly refuse to participate in two receptions gotten up by rival cliques of his countrymen, and so it is most likely that we will abandon the matter at our next meeting.'" |
The "Standard Union" reported a similar story on September 7th:
"Trouble in the Committee. The Reception to Dr. Nansen Likely to be Abandoned. The plans for the reception to Dr. Fridjof Nansen, the Arctic explorer, have not yet been fully matured. The Norwegian residents of this city, with whom the project originated, are at odds over the arrangements, and the affair seems likely to be abandoned. The trouble originated in the committee which has charge of the arrangements for the reception. A majority of the committee, including the general chairman, the Rev. Mr. Everson, and the chairman of the Sub-Committee on Finances, M. G. Petersen, were in favor of meeting Dr. Nansen in a big steamer, with tickets at $5 apiece, and then tendering him a banquet at $10 a plate. This idea, however, was strenuously opposed by Emil Nielsen, editor of a Norwegian paper, who also belongs to the committee. He wanted the affair conducted on more popular lines and at more reasonable prices. He accused his fellow members in the committee of being too aristocratic and too much ashamed of the plain people. He is also reported as having threatened to get up a reception of his own." |
The September 17th, 1897 front page of "Nordisk Tidende" was dedicated to the Nansen situation.
"Surrender! The Nansen Committee Giving In. Great Free People's Party with Free Access to All. 'Nordiske Tidende's' Atonement. Became Its Publisher.
The majority within the Norwegian colony had their wish fulfilled with regard to Nansen's reception.
The program drafted by us in the magazine for 13 August has been adopted in its entirety, subject to some necessary changes in form regarding the structure of the program.
A bitter struggle was an unavoidable necessity before the committee could agree on the idea we had drafted. Already after the first regular meeting, we were attacked in a brutal and ruthless manner by a person named Ludvig Blix, only because we had dared to point out some indiscretions committed by the composition of the committee; as, however, we did not feel in the least bothered by the person's hateful and clumsy statements, and as the committee as a whole did not approve of such traffic, we proceeded boldly with our work, knowing full well that we had the whole colony behind us and that we worked in its interest.
But then the coterie before the committee began to poke their heads in the air, and then the war really broke out. One salvo after another was fired at us, for the work we were doing openly for the day. This was to be ruined by violence and intrigue, no matter whether it was probable or not. Simply because it came from us, it had to be cowed and broken. Case had to be sacrificed for person. But my God, how pitifully those gentlemen were wrong. We can thus state that the chairman, pharmacist Tengelsen, directly told us and the only combative giant who supported us, namely the bookseller Iverson, that a compromise could possibly be reached if only the two of us would refrain from coming forward with direct proposals in this regard. None of us would agree to this guardianship, as we were aware of our position, And then the peace was over.
The entire committee, with few exceptions, now marched against us. Inhumanities rained down on our heads as never before, but none of us lost an inch, and the reward for our work was awarded to us on Tuesday, when the whole committee raised flags and bowed to the inevitable necessity.
With their hearts full of bitter hatred, however, a sacrifice of atonement was demanded, and such was found by the tactless gentleman of the publisher of 'Nordisk Tidende.' He had to be sacrificed with flesh and blood, even after we had voluntarily submitted our resignation.
When the committee was called to order on Tuesday, the chairman read out four resignations: one from The Norwegian-American Seamen's Association which withdrew its delegates, one from "Court Leif Eriksen" of the same nature, one from merchant Hans Widness, and finally our own. All these resignations were the basis of the exclusive work which the committee had set itself as a goal, and which they could not possibly agree to. Then it was our turn to be beaten again. The fire was opened by the same brutal gentleman, Ludvig Blix, who in a mean way spewed out all the bile he possessed, seconded by photographer Christensen, with whom we had thought we would find more tolerance. Strangely enough, the chairman allowed all this, without us being able to respond. Had such a thing passed in ordinary good company, the result would probably have been quite different. Now, on the other hand, things went unattractively. For the many who were present, we regret this, not for our part, but for theirs. When in this way these people could swallow all the grub-thick coarseness without seeking to hinder them, then the same gentlemen must excuse us if our perception of them is henceforth different from the one we previously had. The only ones who had the decency and tact to resist the aforementioned statements were captains. Emil Singdalsen and. I. F. Iverson.
After an hour's struggle it was finally decided, on the suggestion of an unknown entity named Dæhli, that the press -- mainly 'Nordisk Tidende' -- could not be allowed to attend the committee's important work. This Molbo proposal * was supported by the friend of liberty, the doctor, etc. Peter Grooth, who with trembling hands and quivering lips attempted to quote this magazine's statements on the matter. The sole reason we were not allowed to attend the meeting was that they did not want to acknowledge their defeat in our presence. We therefore took this matter with great calmness, confident that our work had been crowned with success.
[Note: according to Wikipedia, a Molbo story is a Danish/Norwegian tale about "simple folk who act foolishly while attempting to be wise." The word 'Molbo' is used as a term of disparagement, and the phrase 'Molbo politics' is prohibited in Norwegian parliament.]
At half-past one o'clock in the morning the meeting was finally adjourned, and after 6 weeks of hard work, the strong committee had come no further than "Nordisk Tidende's" proposal of Friday 13 August, in which we proposed a boat ride, torchlight procession, folk festival and banquet.
The committee's stupid obstinacy had almost led them into perilous expanses; if we had not made our Boston trip, which caused Nansen's impresario, Mr. Pardee, to be here in person on Tuesday. Then the committee had its horns blunted and fell to the ground.
Already on Monday evening, an extra meeting was called at Reverend Everson's, and here the so-called leaders agreed to propose to the entire committee that they were willing to go the middle way, or in other words, comply with the wishes of the colony. It was thus decided to arrange, among those mentioned above, a larger public folk festival with free entry for all, at which party Nansen and his managers will be present.
This arrangement is the main one. Everything else becomes a matter of secondary importance, and what they intend to do in that regard is equally valid to us.
'Nordisk Tidende' is once again conscious that it belongs within the thinking ranks of the colony, and with this awareness behind us, we fought to ensure that the people's desired program should and had to go through. We knew that we were not alone in the fight and therefore we thank those who followed us.
We could highlight a great deal that took place at the last meeting, and also in the meeting that took place at Reverend Everson's on Monday, but we shall remain silent for the time being, in the hope that the committee will be a little more cautious in its arrangements from now on. However, we must give it a hint, and that is that the committee openly informs the participants of the banquet from where the funds are thought to be taken, which will cover the intended inkhouse affair. It is better for the committee to do it itself, otherwise it might be in danger of our being well-informed here as well.
And last but not least, before we say goodbye to rest on our laurels, we would like to give the committee one more piece of good advice: Why not arrange the whole thing in Brooklyn, where there are enough spacious rooms. This, however, was the provision from the outset, especially since the committee now sees to be desperately in need of the money of the "disgraceful" beehives. Either these are taken from a Brooklyn host or from a Bowery beer hall; I'm sure they'll come out of one. The only difference is that we believe that here you can get more than the promised $200 from the Teutonia Assembly Rooms manager, and at the same time get a finer and bigger locale."
"Surrender! The Nansen Committee Giving In. Great Free People's Party with Free Access to All. 'Nordiske Tidende's' Atonement. Became Its Publisher.
The majority within the Norwegian colony had their wish fulfilled with regard to Nansen's reception.
The program drafted by us in the magazine for 13 August has been adopted in its entirety, subject to some necessary changes in form regarding the structure of the program.
A bitter struggle was an unavoidable necessity before the committee could agree on the idea we had drafted. Already after the first regular meeting, we were attacked in a brutal and ruthless manner by a person named Ludvig Blix, only because we had dared to point out some indiscretions committed by the composition of the committee; as, however, we did not feel in the least bothered by the person's hateful and clumsy statements, and as the committee as a whole did not approve of such traffic, we proceeded boldly with our work, knowing full well that we had the whole colony behind us and that we worked in its interest.
But then the coterie before the committee began to poke their heads in the air, and then the war really broke out. One salvo after another was fired at us, for the work we were doing openly for the day. This was to be ruined by violence and intrigue, no matter whether it was probable or not. Simply because it came from us, it had to be cowed and broken. Case had to be sacrificed for person. But my God, how pitifully those gentlemen were wrong. We can thus state that the chairman, pharmacist Tengelsen, directly told us and the only combative giant who supported us, namely the bookseller Iverson, that a compromise could possibly be reached if only the two of us would refrain from coming forward with direct proposals in this regard. None of us would agree to this guardianship, as we were aware of our position, And then the peace was over.
The entire committee, with few exceptions, now marched against us. Inhumanities rained down on our heads as never before, but none of us lost an inch, and the reward for our work was awarded to us on Tuesday, when the whole committee raised flags and bowed to the inevitable necessity.
With their hearts full of bitter hatred, however, a sacrifice of atonement was demanded, and such was found by the tactless gentleman of the publisher of 'Nordisk Tidende.' He had to be sacrificed with flesh and blood, even after we had voluntarily submitted our resignation.
When the committee was called to order on Tuesday, the chairman read out four resignations: one from The Norwegian-American Seamen's Association which withdrew its delegates, one from "Court Leif Eriksen" of the same nature, one from merchant Hans Widness, and finally our own. All these resignations were the basis of the exclusive work which the committee had set itself as a goal, and which they could not possibly agree to. Then it was our turn to be beaten again. The fire was opened by the same brutal gentleman, Ludvig Blix, who in a mean way spewed out all the bile he possessed, seconded by photographer Christensen, with whom we had thought we would find more tolerance. Strangely enough, the chairman allowed all this, without us being able to respond. Had such a thing passed in ordinary good company, the result would probably have been quite different. Now, on the other hand, things went unattractively. For the many who were present, we regret this, not for our part, but for theirs. When in this way these people could swallow all the grub-thick coarseness without seeking to hinder them, then the same gentlemen must excuse us if our perception of them is henceforth different from the one we previously had. The only ones who had the decency and tact to resist the aforementioned statements were captains. Emil Singdalsen and. I. F. Iverson.
After an hour's struggle it was finally decided, on the suggestion of an unknown entity named Dæhli, that the press -- mainly 'Nordisk Tidende' -- could not be allowed to attend the committee's important work. This Molbo proposal * was supported by the friend of liberty, the doctor, etc. Peter Grooth, who with trembling hands and quivering lips attempted to quote this magazine's statements on the matter. The sole reason we were not allowed to attend the meeting was that they did not want to acknowledge their defeat in our presence. We therefore took this matter with great calmness, confident that our work had been crowned with success.
[Note: according to Wikipedia, a Molbo story is a Danish/Norwegian tale about "simple folk who act foolishly while attempting to be wise." The word 'Molbo' is used as a term of disparagement, and the phrase 'Molbo politics' is prohibited in Norwegian parliament.]
At half-past one o'clock in the morning the meeting was finally adjourned, and after 6 weeks of hard work, the strong committee had come no further than "Nordisk Tidende's" proposal of Friday 13 August, in which we proposed a boat ride, torchlight procession, folk festival and banquet.
The committee's stupid obstinacy had almost led them into perilous expanses; if we had not made our Boston trip, which caused Nansen's impresario, Mr. Pardee, to be here in person on Tuesday. Then the committee had its horns blunted and fell to the ground.
Already on Monday evening, an extra meeting was called at Reverend Everson's, and here the so-called leaders agreed to propose to the entire committee that they were willing to go the middle way, or in other words, comply with the wishes of the colony. It was thus decided to arrange, among those mentioned above, a larger public folk festival with free entry for all, at which party Nansen and his managers will be present.
This arrangement is the main one. Everything else becomes a matter of secondary importance, and what they intend to do in that regard is equally valid to us.
'Nordisk Tidende' is once again conscious that it belongs within the thinking ranks of the colony, and with this awareness behind us, we fought to ensure that the people's desired program should and had to go through. We knew that we were not alone in the fight and therefore we thank those who followed us.
We could highlight a great deal that took place at the last meeting, and also in the meeting that took place at Reverend Everson's on Monday, but we shall remain silent for the time being, in the hope that the committee will be a little more cautious in its arrangements from now on. However, we must give it a hint, and that is that the committee openly informs the participants of the banquet from where the funds are thought to be taken, which will cover the intended inkhouse affair. It is better for the committee to do it itself, otherwise it might be in danger of our being well-informed here as well.
And last but not least, before we say goodbye to rest on our laurels, we would like to give the committee one more piece of good advice: Why not arrange the whole thing in Brooklyn, where there are enough spacious rooms. This, however, was the provision from the outset, especially since the committee now sees to be desperately in need of the money of the "disgraceful" beehives. Either these are taken from a Brooklyn host or from a Bowery beer hall; I'm sure they'll come out of one. The only difference is that we believe that here you can get more than the promised $200 from the Teutonia Assembly Rooms manager, and at the same time get a finer and bigger locale."
By all accounts the Nansen reception turned out to be a grand success, as reported in the "Nordisk Tidende" on March 31st, 1898.
"Nansen thanks. The following letter has been sent to the chairman of the Nansen committee, pharmacist J. T. Tengelsen: Having returned to my fatherland, I feel compelled to send you and the other members of the reception committee a hearty thank you for the hospitable manner in which you received me in America. Needless to say, I was greatly touched to be honored in this way and welcomed to countrymen. The beautiful gift which I now have standing on my table will always be a dear memory of my countrymen in America, and of the interest and sympathy which our journey there aroused. Finally, I should like to congratulate you on the successful way in which the various events were arranged. Sincerely, and thank you once again for your hospitality. Your devoted FRITHJOF NANSEN." |