Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/44

 It is strange that, notwithstanding all the battles, the constructive legislation growing out of these conditions was of such an orderly character, so lacking in danger to prosperity and so harmonious with the social development of the state. The leaders deserve our commendation because they realized the necessity for this thorough, painstaking construction. Fortunately for them, the character of the people was such that it constituted an element contributing to the advancement of their plans.

Wisconsin is fundamentally a German state: the Germans were the first to arrive in significant numbers, although they were followed later by a large influx of Norwegians. Both of these peoples from the great Teutonic branches have been noted for their steadfast love of liberty and the systematic way in which they proceed with government. The "forty-eight" Germans, those of the Carl Schurz type, came fresh from a struggle for liberty in the old country, and brought with them as high ideals as any people who ever came to America. Under these influences, the farms of Wisconsin were settled and an orderly, careful government established. A New England stream arriving about the same time brought with it high educational ideals, which endowed the whole Northwest with colleges and institutions of learning. It was under these auspices that the University of Wisconsin was founded, having indelibly impressed upon it a certain distinction which it has never