The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-02-25
A GOOD SUGGESTION.
A Monument to oglethorpe Proposed


DOGGY BOTTOM Feb 22-Editor Morn
ing NeuS:-More than a century and a half
has passed since the first Anglo-Saxon colony
found Judgment in what is now the grand
Empire State of the South" From the
shining sea shore TO the mountain, are
scattered the descendants of those hardy
pioneers who brayed the dangers OF the
wilderness and laid the foundation OF one
Of the fairest in the sisterhood Of States.
Her sons have illustrated their native
State in the field, in legislative halls, upon
the highest judicial courts Of the country
and in the councils of the land They have
reflected honor and credit alike upon their
ancestry and their native State.
In one feature has this grand common
wealth been found wanting, she has tailed
to recognize the claim of her illustrlous
founder to the gratitude of her citizens.
While generous public spirit has charac-
terized her citizens III many departments,
the people Of Georgia, and the citizens or
Savannah have neglected the memory of
Gen. James Oglethorpe. OF her other illus
triOus dead she hasnOt been unmindful. The
marble shaft 10 the memory of the patriotic
Rhode Islander evidences Savannah's appre-
citation Of his many excellent traits. The
sculptured monument erected to the noble
Pole, Count Pulaski, who laid down his life
upon the plains of Savannah, is conclusive
proof that your city recognizes true merit and
gallantry. The noble women of the Forest
City have dedicated splendid memorial to
the loved and lamented of the lost cause.
After the lapse Of more than a century the
gallant Jasper is remembered in monu-
ment of bronze that does credit to the hearts
and hands of Savannah's patriotic people
These handsome structures show that
your people appreciate merit and worth
and patriotism. But has Savannah and
Georgia met the extent of their response
bility and their gratitude: Is it not
reflection upon both the State and the city
that the noble memory of OglethOrpe be
allowed to sink into oblivion without some
memorial pile to point the coming genera
tlOns to the character, the nobleneSs and
manhood of Georgia's philanthrOpic foIn-
der. Ought this stigma to rest longer upon
your people: Should not this stain be
speedily erased from the fair escutcheon of
the Empire State of the Souths
How can this be done? Order is heavens
first law Out of order and system do all
good results follow. and to the custody of
the most methodical and conservative asso-
citation should this important duty be COM
mitted Now, who is more worthy of this
great trust than the Georgia Historical So
Ciety! In less than year this society will
celebrate its semi-centennial anniversary,
and certainly no more lifting and approprl-
ate part Of the ceremonies could be perform
ed than in dedicating to the memory of
Georgia's noble founder, a suitable monu-
ment. This society has all the elements of
success within its membership, and it can
most assuredly trust to the sympathy and
support of all organizations throughout your
beautiful city. 1t can successfully appeal
to kindred societies throughout the State
Surely Georgians would not be recreant to
such a trust.
1t is sincerely hoped that this important
subject will receive the earnest considera-
tion of your people. 1t is a worthy and
patriotic one, and to longer neglect a duty
so patent Will fasten a stigma upon your
people that cannot rebound to their honor
or public spiritedness
In conclusion make bold to suggest the
site for such a memorial. The chain of
monuments that grace your chosen prone
made is broken, and no more appropriate
location could be selected than Chippewa
square, as it is one of the parks originally
planned by the genius and forethought of
Gen. Oglethorpe, and by utilizing this place
the chain of monuments extending the full
length of Bull street would be complete.
PERT