Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-07-03
OREGON HEARS
THE PRESIDENT
Harding Now in Far West
Will Sail Soon for Alaska
Ship is Ready

oIllp Is neduy
ON BOARD PRESIDENT HARD
ING'S SPECIAL TRAIN, July 8
(By The Associated Press)-Presi-
dent Harding faced today the most
strenuous days program of his west
ern trip in the smallest town he
has yet visited. The program had
to do with the Oregon trail celebra-
ton and the town is Meacham Orc,
ten miles from a railroad and with a
population of fifty-one persons.
The population of the little town,
however, was augmented greatly by
visitors from all parts of the state
and from adjoining states, who
joined in celebration of the eigh
tieth anniversary of the arrival of
the first wagon train in the Will
lamette valley. Reports received
by the presidential party said auto
mobile parties had been arriving
in Meacham for several days and
that by the time the chief executive
arrived there the population will be
increased just about n thousand
times
Meacham after an all-night rido
LACliA IN - ~
ecutive, speaking for the first time
on the pacific slope, discussed devel-
opment of the west and promised
the aid of the federal government in
reclamation work.
Speaking at exercises commence
rating the eightieth' anniversary of
the blazing of the Oregon trail, the
executive declared the American peo-
pie owe to those pioneers a debt of
gratitude which they never car re-
pay. Their victory, he asserted, pro-
claimed the strength of resolute
purpose to do for themselves, not
asking the government to do, but
for government only to sanction or
permit.
I'VE may reasonably do more to-
day." he said, than rejoice in pos
session of the imperial domain which
they revealed, and the life they made
possible to the verile, aspiring and
confident Northwest. I find new as
in recalling the heroismr
the resolution, the will to conquer
of these pioneers.
81 wish 1 might more effectively
visualize them. Not very long ago
I saw the covered wagon in the NOV
ing picture. | sat %entranced. There
was more than the picturesque, more
than sorrow and encouragement,
more than appealing characters and
e%nthralling heroism. There was more
than the revelation of the ~irresolute,
who failed in fitness to survive, more
than tragedy and comedy in their
inseparable blend. There was more
than the scouts who surpassed our
fancies, more than natures relent-
ha rriarc rpupa1pd EUarvuVhara
was the soul of unalterable
purpose and the commanding stur-
of elemental greatness. Still
more, there was determination to
do themselves, not asking the gov
eminent to do, but for government
only to sanction or permit.
Much the same spirit was re-
vealed in the making of the Central
West, where the determined pioneers
builded in the confidence which they
had in themselves. They battled
with nature and every obstacle which
they encountered, heroes persisted
without fame's acclaim, and they
conquered and wrote big their part
in the making of the greater Re-
Their victory proclaimed the
strength of resolute purpose, and
the human genius, confidence in
and eager to achieve On its
own account.
1.-THE lesson can not fail to inn
press itself. In this test of self-re-
liant citizenship there came the rug.
ged, militant, wholesome West.
things were wrought, larger
accomplishment was recorded, great
er victory was won in this whole
some, inspiring individualism than
Will ever attend paternalism or gov
ornment assumption of the tasks
are the natural inheritance
If the builders who may better serve
for themselves. Government may
well provide opportunity. but the
WORTHWHILE accomplishment is the
privilege and the duty Of men,"
His Ship Is Ready
BREMERTON, WASHINGTON,
July 3-Brilliant with fresh paint,
glistening brass and new uniforms,
the army transport Henderson was
to leave here this morning for Ia
coma, where she will be boarded
Thursday by President Harding and
party for a trip to Alaska and
to Seattle.
Above the bridge of the Hender-
has been built an observation
deck l~uxuriously equipped and en-
in glass. Here the President
may watch the mountains and gla-
of the North Pacific. The
president is to occupy the room de-
for the colonel of marines,
and Mrs. Harding is to have an ad-
room.
The Henderson will carry a COM
pliment OF 10 officers and 100 men,
including 80 pieces of the United
States navy band of Washington, ID.
C.. Waiting constantly upon the
president and Mrs. Harding will be