The only remaining question as to the political influence of the Scandinavians is the claim of the Swedes and Norwegians for "recognition" at the hands of old parties; and the concessions which such claims have extorted. From the foregoing accounts, it is evident that the Scandinavians have been ready in fitting themselves into the political system of the United States. Altho they have not been guilty of that excessive and pernicious activity in the field of public affairs which has characterized some classes of immigrants settling by preference in the great cities, it must be admitted that they have now and then appealed to race pride and prejudice and jealousy, re-marking boundary lines and distinctions which should be obliterated. The practical politicians, on their part, have not hesitated to stir up, for party advantage, the sensitiveness of naturalized citizens to real or imaginary slights and discriminations against them by "the other party." The appeal of the Norwegian and Swedish press is not infrequently based frankly on the essential sentiment of clannishness: "Scandinavians in Superior and other places should always support a country man for election to public office," and if he is in all ways worthy, "we should all together rally around him, lay aside all small considerations, and honor him with our trust and esteem."[431] Ridiculing the narrowness of these "demands," another editor, under the heading "From Norway, Birthplace of Giants," suggests a full Republican ticket of Norwegians, including Rasmus B. Anderson, "Republican pro tem.," and also a full Democratic ticket of Norwegians, including Rasmus B. Anderson, "thinking that he may next year be a Democrat again."[432] This trick of asserting their political importance in the Northwestern States was very early learned; and so long as party managers bid for votes in the tongues of the aliens, bribing them with nominations of the foreign-born, just so long will these groups of adopted citizens reiterate and multiply their demands, just so long will they capitalize their voting power and collect a generous interest in the shape of nominations and appointments. It must not be supposed that the Norwegian and Swedish party papers in America exist for the primary purpose of forwarding the political interests of people of those nationalities as such, for they do not, any more than do the partisan papers printed in English, but the Scandinavian groups are so large and so definite that appeals to them to stand together as a race for their own interests are inevitable. [431] Editorial in _Superior Tidende_ (Wisconsin), Feb. 2, 1898. See also _Vikingen_, Aug. 18, 1888. [432] P. O. Strömme in _Amerika og Norden_, Feb. 2, 1898.