A Local Intellectual Heads to Ancient Lands
Dr. John C. Sandberg, once a fixture of Seattle’s literary and medical scene, is appointed U.S. Consul to Baghdad.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Dr. John C. Sandberg, of San Francisco, has been appointed United States consul to Bagdad. Having lived for many years in the Orient, and being a born polyglot as well as a man of large scientific attainments, it is another of those appointments reflecting great credit upon the Harrison administration. He is well remembered here among the older citizens, as he lived in Seattle for several years, occupying an office with Dr. Weed in the old Yesler-Leary building. He was a valued member of the Chautauqua Circle during 1884, remembered for his chemical experiments, his critique on Browning, and his violin playing. The doctor expects to spend the next few years in the land of Nimrod and Nebuchadnezzar.
“I have been busy all day with reporters wanting to know about the home of Haroun Al Raschid. I think I will buy a copy of the 'Arabian Nights' and post up.”
Consular appointments were often social and patronage-heavy roles in the 19th century, connecting local figures to the global stage. Today, Seattle remains a hub for global connections, though our 'foreign' reach has shifted from the Ottoman-era Near East to the modern technology and aerospace markets.
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