So early as 1870, one of the leading Norwegian newspapers declared that it was time for the Norwegians to get a Representative in Congress just as well as other nationalities--"_ligesaavel som andre nationaliteter_."[433] The editor suggested that the eight thousand Norse voters in the southern Minnesota district hold a convention the day before the regular Republican convention, and agree upon a candidate for the Congressional nomination: if the Republicans refused to nominate him, put on the screws! About twenty years later this very method was resorted to in North Dakota, when the Scandinavians of that State "in mass convention assembled," proceeded to pass resolutions and to organize the Scandinavian Union of North Dakota, to secure for themselves "that share in the government to which their competency, their character and numerical strength, and their rank as pioneers in all matters of civilization entitle them." While declaring that it believed that every man should stand or fall on his own merits, the convention resolved "that we have seen with deep regret the disposition of a large number of our fellow citizens in some parts of North Dakota to discriminate against us, because we are Scandinavians, and that an unprovoked war has been waged against us."[434] The Hon. M. N. Johnson, presiding officer, presumptive beneficiary of the Union, an aspirant for nomination as Representative, stated the case very frankly: "The Scandinavians constitute a majority of the Republican party in North Dakota. Under the territorial government they have not received many official favors, but with the opening of statehood it is proper that they should have some recognition. The Scandinavians are not disposed to leave the Republican Party. They are heartily loyal to the organization and its principles.... We have the numerical strength to demand and secure justice, and all we ask is fair play.... We are simply organizing our forces for united action in urging our just demands."[435] Their just demands consisted in "from three to five of the State officers, and if they stand together and attend the primaries, there is no doubt but that they will get what they ask for."[436] [433] _Fædrelandet og Emigranten_, July 10, 1870. See also an editorial in _The North_, June 12, 1889, regretting that the question of national proportions and groups should be raised "but the principle having been recognized, we consider it our plain duty to see that it is fairly and squarely enforced." [434] _The North_, July 10, 1889. [435] _The North_, July 10, 1889, including translations from _Posten og Vesten_ of Fargo. [436] _Ibid._, letter of Sigurd Syr.