The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1908-01-19

The school book pictures of George
Washington playing in the snow al
Valley Forge, and the wide dissem
nation of the stories of suffering en-
dured by Washington's army during
the winter of 1777-7S We're no doubt
responsible for the long prevailing be-
lief that the site for that winter camp
is remote, bleak and inaccessible,
The attitude OF mind was RESPONSE
BILE, no doubt, for the word there" In
stead of here" In the tribute inscribed
upon the Maine monument erected at
Valley Forge this year to commem-
crate the services and the sufferings
OF the troops from that part Of Mas
sachusettS which now form the state
Of Maine.
The great increase in the number of
visitors to Valley Forge of recent
years-59, 100 were re ,orued in seven
months of 1906-is due to the creation
OF the Valley Forge park by the legis-
lature In 1898, to the increased inter
est in American history and the dis
covery that an hours journey by rail
or automobile from this city will car
~ one to the camp ground.
Park PreparatIons.
In acquiring possession OF the
ground, In the protection of the extern
sive evidence of its occupation by the
army, In marking the position OF her
troops, in building macadam roads
and other necessary work, Pennsylva-
mia had expended up to 1907 the sum
of 1851 900. The bulk of the sum, OF
s219,000, was appropriated during
Governor Pennypacker's four-year
term Of office, only $4,000 having been
provided by the state In the ten years
between 1898 and 1908.
During most of that decade, the pro-
ject was in a moribund state and the
park commission without funds The
supporters of the movement were dis
couraged by the indifference OF Off
Gals and public, and many persons adj
Vocated an appeal to congress.
Governor Pennypacker thought the
nation should not be called upon to do
what the state ought, and was perfect
~ able, to do, and he took practical
steps to advance the undertaking to
such q stage that the state might have
no excuse for delaying the completion
Of the park and the pubic no warrant
for turning its control over to the ma
ton.
Redoubts Well Preserved.
The redoubts, which are well pre-
served. have been inclosed for their
DTOISCLlOD anu DldtIOEH1S nave DScH
constructed of sufficient height to en-
able the visitor to see the interiors.
On the top of Mount Joy an abserva-
tory IS feet in height and 800 feet
above sea level has been placed. and
ON It are fixed tables showing the d.
rections and distances of all the battle
fields, camps and military localities
connected with the campaign of 1777-
IS.
The position OF the regiments of the
Pennsylvania brigades under Wayne's
command have been marked with sim
pie stones bearing bronze tablets
which give the organization of brig
AIDES and regiments. with their com
manders' names. The positions Of the
cannon have been marked by guns
which are an exact duplication of the
cannon used in the revolutionary war
The state forester has had charge
Of the reforestrv of parts of the camp
ground denuded by the farmer and
wood rifoDDer. A superintendent and
guards have been provided The I'M
seem1y fee formerly charged for en-
trance to the Washington headquar-