The Washington herald., 1909-03-28
PRAISE FOR CAPT. ADAMS
Pennsylvania Paper Wants Proper
Credit Given for Exploration.
Discusses Measure I'm ConEress for
the Erection of a Monument
10 Maj. Powell.

Commenting upon the CuIlom measure
providing for the erection OF a monument
10 Mai John W. Powell, the alleged
discoverer and explorer Of the tributaries
o. the Colorado River, the Argus and
Radical. Of Beaver. Pa, has the following
to say:
Maj. Powell. although he is not enti-
tied TO the honor OF being the discoverer
and first explorer. did a much-needed
service in his chronological researches. geo
| logical surveys, graphic descriptions. and
Illustrations Of one Of the most wonderful
and interesting regions. not only OF this
Western continent. but OF the world. To
Capt Samuel Adams. OF Beaver. however,
belongs the honor OF being the first man
who explored the canyons both Of the
Colorado and the Grand. the latter being
superior 10 the former in the combination
OF falls OF water. deep canyons. gold
leads. marble veins, awe-insplring son-
tudes. and grandeur OF scenery
Capt. Adams went to the Colorado
River and region IN 1855 and remained
there until about $50. when Maj. Powell
received his commission 10 explore the
same The report OF Capt. Adams. made
to the Forty-ffth Congress. proves be-
ycnd controversy that his claim of being
| the discoverer and first explorer OF the
Colorado and its tributaries Is well found
| ed. for IN that report he gives full de-
scription OF the canyons. proof that the
Colorado was at that time navigable 200
miles Up from its mouth: describes the
ancient cities. ruins, missions. eathedrals.
mines. canals soil. timber. population.
and the inexhaustible agricultural re-
sources. particularly OF Arizona. He
called attention TO the practicability OF
building a railroad from Salt Lake City
to San Diego which would be free from
snow. a route that has since been chosen
and where d road is now in operation.
The fact that Congress published his
report is conclusive that II was approved
A bill passed the House unanimously ap-
prOpriating money 20 reimburse him. as
hts explorations had been az his own ex-
pense, and also 10 pay him for his serv-
ice 10 the public. The bill failed 10 pass
in the Senate, not from any hostility, but
for want Of time at the close OF the ses-
sion.
After Secretary Stanton. Thaddeus
Stevens. ". r. Holman. and others who
Z
had passed away, and adverse interests
sprung Up. II was impossible for Mr.. Ad-
ans 20 get a bearing. and hence 70 this
day he has never been paid
II is well 10 commemorate Mai Pow
els services. but II were better first 10
Go justice 10 the veteran pioneer and ex-
plorer before he dies. Nearly haE a cen
tury has passed since he, on foot, IN
boats, on RATS OF his own construction,
and horseback. explored the Colorado re-
gion. Great developments have been
made since. but at that time there was a
population OF A thousand where now are
$4,000 people. Capt Adams blazed the
way, not only for Maj Powell, but for the
thousands OF home-seekers and adventur-
ers who were 20 follow. What the path
finder did for the Middle West Adams did
later fov the Southwest, and now et hts
services be recognized and properly ap-
preciated"