Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-05-04
jamestown ana Plymouth Rock.

10 me IdHOT OF me UtSDdch
How FAR ahead Of Virginia is Massachu-
setts in the tribute she pays to her early
history. The first settlement in Virginia
was made OF Jamestown, May -, 1907 ;
the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth. Deem
Der Il 1920 To-day Jamestown is waste
marked by a crumbling wall which is more
of reprOach than a memorial. Plymouth
Rock Blooms like garden and splendid
monument from an adjoining hill tells
the story of the planting of that remark
able colony. Nobody goes TO our James
town thousands go annually to view the
spot where the MayAower anchored.
II Is true that one hundred and NIFTY
years passed before the sons OF che Phi
Trims BEGAN To commemorate the landing
OF thor fOrcfathers. but from December
q. 1859, onward the day has been con-
stantly celebrated. The first organization
YVES club" which as long as it lived
with dinner md speech and song en-
deavored to foster the historic spirit and Law
the foundation for the later achievements.
In 1919 The club" gave place to " The
Pilgrim Society" which conducted lts
work under regular act OF incorporation.
Daniel Webster was the first orator OF Inc
Pilgrim Society and delivered speech
which produced profound impression.
The society determined TO arrange tirst
of all for the erection of "a suitable edliice
for future celebrations" This building
was fully completed in 1894 and was called
Pilgrim Hall. By the lberality of Joseph
Henry Sticknev, Esq, of Baltimore, IL mas
since been made fire-proof, and INTO IL
have been gathered the relics and articles
Of interest which willing workers have col
lected through the years. 1t ~ stated that
nine thousand visitors annually register
their names in the records of the society.
The completion of the hall led TO plans Tor
n monument, and after patient waiting
and working fOT thirty years the society on
the LIST day Of August. 1889, as we well re-
member. formally dedicated their work to
the memory OF their ancestors. The South
was honored by having the orator OF the
occasion. Hon. Mr.. Breckinrid,e, OF Ken
tucky, selected from her territory.
II may be If interest 10 know that tins
monument is at once beautiful and appro-
pirate. a colossal granite statue OF Faith.
thirty-six feet in height. standing upon M
octaoonal pedestal at an elevation ot forty
five feet. Beneath this noble figure on
buttresses, projecting from the main pc
destal. are four smaller statues represent
inc Morality. Education. Freedom, Law ;
aud under these are marble tablets cut III
relief representing scenes from Pilgrim
history The Departure from Deitt
Haven, the Signing OF the Compact IN me
Cabin OF the Mayliower, the Landing al
Plymouth, and the First Treaty with Mas
sasoit, the Indian Chief
(hus step by step for more than one
hundred years these perscvcriDg people
have labored to build Their memorials.
Few there he who VIII not congratulate
them upon their successand rejoice IN the
honorable and praisew0rthy END winch mas
at last been reached. Who can doubt the
good effect of tins work upon the people
of that State The awakening and guiding
of the spirit of INQUIRY and research MAUI
rally fostersa worthy state PRIDE. ana To-
dav the sons OF Massachusetts are ftenng
and will continue 20 feel the stimulating
influences of the work done on Plymouth
Rock.
How different with Virginia and that
SPOT within her borders which ought TO be
the chief attraction to her own people ana
sacred TO all Americans. Almost three
hundred years have past and Yet the I'M
mindful sons Of the first permanent Eng
hsh colony established IN north America
have done almost nothing to preserve
from decay and fOrgetfuiness the birth
place Of a commonwealth and of nation.
No one can visit Jamestown without IN
tense disappointment and pain. Monu-
ments have arisen over the land. virginia
has her Was hingtOn III bronze. Lee VIII
soon be honored. But these cannot atone
for the States neglect of jamestown.
when the statue on plymouth H!l was
conceived the national Government was
asked to contribute. and thief cure Of Free
dom stands in that group the GIFT OF the
General Government. Congress has plant
eli a shaft on the field OF Yorktown, but
jamestown is ROBBED in desolation. forgot
ten bv the sons of the colony. and without
n friend III the great country which boasts
of its history and honors its servants by
the GIFT OF millions every wear.
Ira picturing this contrast between Mas
sachusctts and Virginia DO not overlook
the recent movement IN this city 70 Tescue
Jamestown from oblivion. Ill honor to
those who propose to redeem the pride
and gratitude OF our people from Just re-
preach. But this loDg-delayed effort will
succeed only rs the historic spirit Is re-
Vived and Richmond and Virginia awake
TO the call Of duty The example of our
sister State shows what can be done 10y de-
tormincd purpose and persistent work.
Shall not her success arouse NlrGinians to
rally to tine support of the movement now
50 worthily begun that the past may be re-
tricved and Jamestown become a Mecca io1
the interested and deVout tourist as well AZ
al inspiration to every child of the Old
Dominion. CRNNIs II. RYLAND.
Richmond C0dC5C, April, 1890