DE
VOLKSVRIEND
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______ It was with great pleasure that the writer of this continued to work with Mr, Betten for another r years (from 1885-1891) on DE VOLKSVRIEND, and he would have regretted to leave had not his heart been in the labor which he is doing now under God's guidance: the proclamation of the Gospel. Since 1888 he had intended to leave, hut, despite many difficulties, he had felt he should continue, and this was probably one of the reasons which made Mr., Betten decide to hand over DE VOLKSVRIEND to the present owner, Mr. H. P, Oggel in the summer of 1891. Mr. Oggel, M.D., in those days was a professor at the Northwestern Classical Academy. Dr. Oggel was already well-known to Christian Dutchmen because of his publication of DE CHRISTELIJKE HERAUT of Pella, a well-edited magazine, which existence was suddenly discontinued to the sorrow of many. As can be expected, the publication of DE VOLKSVRIEND could be entrusted to him, and indeed he has never put this expectation to shame. Being a good writer, and being assured of the co-operation by many for literary work, DE VOLKSVRIEND, under his control, became one of the most widely read Dutch papers in America; this speaks for itself, taking into consideration that it was published by the youngest and smallest settlement (in comparison with Michigan and Pella). With respect to the necessary tools, Dr. Oggel made many great improvements. The old-fashioned handpress had already been replaced by a Cylinder handpress in this writer's time. Since the circulation increased from year to year, it became necessary to purchase a steampress. Mr. Oggel purchased a Babcock Standard press, which was not only a great improvement, but which also compared favorably with any Dutch printing-press. Also he provided the printing office with two "job" presses, to be able to print all kinds of small and large printing, from cards to posters and tickets. Till this moment this poem does not suit him: He was not a sad printer (This is a Dutch pun, and almost impossible to translate, for it would not make sense). When Mr. Oggel accepted his work as publisher, his paper numbered almost a 1000 members. At present (after 4 years) the number of subscribers has climbed up to almost 2000, which is a satisfying result, and which has been reached by much hard work. DE VOLKSVRIEND has always been a constant proponent of the Republican principles. Not because the Republican party is completely without spot or blemish, but because in the editor's opinion, that party was most faithful to the indivisibility of the Union, for the rights of the people, and for the interests of the nation. Religiously she stood at the side of the Calvinistic Reformed faith, although she rather tread the terrain of practical Christianity than that of polemics. It is hoped that God will bless DE VOLKSVRIEND for a long. time to come, and set her (under the guidance of the present owner) as a great blessing for the good people of the Dutch settlement in Sioux County and vicinity, and for many outside of it. We ask God's blessing on the publisher and those who work with him in the printing office, and also with the readers! Kasper Tietema Greenleafton, Minn.
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