I. C. Olson is a true type of honesty and individual character. He was born in Norway, and for years resided in Minneapolis. He came to the coast in 1893, settling in Ballard. In 1898 he was elected to the legislature, where he distinguished himself as a man of integrity and sound judgment. Thomas Anderson is a rising grocer, and a prominent member of the Norwegian Baptist church, Revs. O. L. Hoien and G. Berg are well liked and earnest ecclesiastics. Rev. Martin Berg is editor of Kongeriget and an eloquent advocate of Christian principles. [Illustration: A RUSTIC BRIDGE AT POINT DEFIANCE PARK, TACOMA.] SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. CHAPTER VI. Tacoma, or the City of Destiny, is the second city in population in the State of Washington, and the first in natural grandeur. It is situated on fine terraces, commanding a beautiful view of Commencement Bay and the Sound for miles distance. Mt. Rainier, or Tacoma, towers over the city, and his head of snow and checkered bosom fills the soul with awe and wonder. Pride of the West, austere and grand, The noblest in Freedom's Land, To thee my soul is turning, In sapphire flames thou burning; Like spheres that walk the solar planes, Thy mellow blaze through heaven rains, Siren in cloudland high, Scene bewitching to my eye. How thy cheeks hang in a silvery glow! Awful in look is thy head of snow; In thy face I read Heaven's mighty arm, The power of God that bids thee charm, A landscape rich in song and flowers, In rhyming pine and vocal bowers, In dancing ripples of laughing gold, In streams of music leaping bold. [Illustration: MOUNT RAINIER, OR TACOMA.] Scandinavians have made Tacoma their stronghold, about 10,000 dwell within the city boundary. Some rank among the most thrifty and highly esteemed citizens. They also bear the honor of being among the early pioneers who gave light and courage to subsequent settlers. Mrs. Fredric Meyer, a native of Norway, previously alluded to, was one of the first white women to alight in Pierce county. Anton Malm, born in Sweden, came to the coast in 1870, and mingled with the first pioneers of Tacoma. The Scandinavian business and professional men of Tacoma merit kind consideration. They have risen to prominence and invited the confidence and respect of all regardless of nationality. A biographical history of the most prominent confronts itself. They are exemplary men, and their rise to affluence and influence in an honest, straightforward manner is worthy of emulation. [Illustration: PROFESSOR OLOF BULL.]