Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-25
Jamestown.

Tide gauges in the Potomac and the Ches-
apeake probably show a higher level of
water than usual today, as result of the
great fleet of laden boats progressing
toward Norfolk In anticipation of tomor-
rows opening of the big jamestown fair
Washington is contributing a heavy repre-
sentation, including the President and his
official family, the foreign ambassadors and
ministers and great array of untitled cti-
Zens. Baltimore is pouring forth throng
of pleasure-seekers and officials. Other
cities are contributing to the ranks Of
lockers, and all indications promise that
tomorrow will witness an inspiring as
semblage on the shores of Hampton roads
as the fleets of the world pass in review
and sgnalize the formal beginning of the
exposition.
Washington takes a keen interest in the
jamestown enterprise, not only because of
its nearness. but. because Of it's historical
significance. Had 1t not been for James
town 300 years ago there might have been
no Washington today. The colony planted
on the spot where now a fragment of a
brick wall alone remains was the English
outpost of settlement. 1t was Intended as
a bulwark against the encroachments of
the Spaniards upon the northern territory
failure depended the question Of national
dominance in America. jamestown sur
vived the forces of dissolution which beset
it-famlne. fever and savage ferocity. 1t
was saved only through the sacrificing eff
forts of a small group of brave men. whose
courage and sagacity prevailed against the
combination of adverse elements.
Had jamestown not survived Spain might
aSilN haN-a he CT
of the continent, and no man can today
determine what would then have been the
history of America. Therefore when viewed
in its true perspective the settlement on
the bank of the James three centuries
ago must be considered as event second
in historical Importance only to the dis
covery of the continent by Columbus, the
tercentenary of which was celebrated in a
similar manner in 1923.
The jamestown exposition does not rank
in size and COstliness with that held at
Chicago fourteen years ago, but it never
theless merits the hearty consideration of
the people. Its plans have been carefully
drawn, and the preliminary reports from
the scene of activity indicate that despite
the usual delays in completion the big fair
will be we'll worth visiting. 1t has one
great advantage over its predecessors of
the same character In it's setting upon the
shore of one of the most beautiful and
historically significant water spaces in the
world. Hampton roads may be considered
as one of the gateways of American civili-
zation. Through it passed the little feet
headed for jamestown 300 years ago. Slow
ly the stream of commerce borne upon its
bosom swelled. as the lands Of Maryland
and Virginia were conquered by the settlers
and the colonies grew and developed into
states and became part of q great nation.
1t was the scene of one of the most momen-
tous of modern naval combats. 1t has be-
fore witnessed the assembling Of great war
fleets in peaceful association. 1t is even
now the meeting place of the greatest ag-
gregation of American fighting craft ever
brought together. and when all the foreign
contingents have arrived. in a short time,
it will witness probably the most numerous
and instructive display Of the naval war
power of the world afforded at one time.
Truly, the jamestown exposition stands
for a great deal in the present reckoning
of national and international affairs.