Page:Norwegian immigrant contributions to America's making.djvu/105



GREAT problem presented by the thousands of new Americans who reach our shores is, "Will these people become a burden upon or an asset to the state?" In order to become an asset it is essential first of all that every individual or group of people be self-supporting. To be self-supporting as a group means also to provide for those among us who may be in need of aid, either financial or other assistance.

That Americans of Norwegian birth and descent are self-supporting and that they are doing the very thing mentioned above is evidenced by the extensive social and humanitarian work conducted by them in all parts of the country.

The immigrant is met at the door of our nation by representatives of the group. Once settled he is introduced to interests of every description. The Church, the sick benefit and fraternal oganizationsorganizations [sic], the cultural societies as well as the many purely social clubs vie with each other in interesting the newcomer in their respective activities. Once a member, and he invariably joins one or more of these organizations, he finds that each has a very definite problem to deal with and that he is expected to do his share in its solution. An important part of all organization programs is the effort made for the relief of the sick and helpless. The words of the Divine Master, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy," have in a peculiar way found favor with Americans of the Norwegian group. Not only do they care for their own but they share freely of their store with others.

The Church alone directly and indirectly maintains more than twenty orphanages, nine hospices and seamen's homes,