Evening star., 1939-07-09
Capital SideIights
By Will P. Kennedy

Pages OF history were turned back 400
years IN the House last week, when
provision was made for rewriting the
history OF one of the most important
expeditions in all the worlds history to
celebrate the anniversary of the expora-
tons OF Francisco Vasquales de Coronado
second only to the discovery of Amer
lea by Columbus. And emphasis was
laid by several speakers on the fact that
neither this nor any other nation can
be developed by worshiping at an altar
OF gold or silver-that nations growth
is not alone In material things, but in
keeping alive the stuff of which heroes
are made, in traditions, in memoralizing
those who dared nobly for a great cause,
in honoring those responsible for great
developments.
Coronado's expedition covering six
great States brought to the mighty en-
plre OF the Southwest, noted for its
cattle, the first horse, the first COW and
the first sheep and hogs. 1t brought
something greater than that as empha-
sized by Representative Dempsey of New
MeXco-it brought Christianity into a
vast region in which the soldiers of the
cross achieved even greater results than
the soldiers of the King For a humble
franciscan monk, Fray Marcos de Mia.
went into Arizona in April, 1899 one year
before the Coronado expedition, which
was four score years before the Pilgrim
Fathers landed on Plymouth Rock.
1t is intended to retravel the route of
Coronado and place memorial markers
to definitely establish it for all time.
OF all the brilliant and heroic exploits
OF human history few surpass this
unique expedition in thrilling human
interest, Mr.. Dempsey told his colleagues.
His statement was confirmed by Repre-
sentative John r. Murdock of Arizona,
author OF several history textbooks, who
has been working with other historical
researchers. such as DR.. Herbert Bolton,
Dr. Irving Leonard and Dr. Zimmerman
IN preparation of special history of the
Coronado expedition which is to be sup
piled to schools and libraries all over the
United States. He told his colleagues:
you cannot value the work of the
soldiers and conquerors who brought
civilization to this country on a dollar
and-cent basis" He pointed out that the
Mission Fathers who founded the mis-
slons' all over California, Arizona. New
mexico and Texas are responsible for
the orange groves and vineyards which
nave made that region fruitful and
famous Representative Marvin Jones
OF Iexas sounded the high note of spirit
and OF tribute: This Republic is an
chored In the sentiment and patriotism
that are inspired by the heroism of the
pioneers and the trail-blazers of early
days 1t takes something in the minds
and hearts of folks to build a country
and hold it solid, especially in troublous
times" museum for relics of the
Coronado Trail is to be established
One OF the Capitol's favorite workers
Sergt. Peter Henderson, old Army drill
sergeant, who keeps the House gym
naslum going, personal friend of most
House members and many Senator'S who
worked shoulder to shoulder with SEN
ator Jim" Mead Of New York in getting
the gymnasium started-is going back
home to Scotland this summer, after
more than 80 years absence, to visit his
sister and brother. His sister lives at the
Loeb la Mond, whose bonnie banks"
have been immortalized in song. His
brother is now retired from the famous
Lakkashire Police. After he left home
in 1909 Henderson made a trip around
the world. After looking the world over
decided this country looked best to me !"
he said, 80 I stayed here and fought for
this country for eight years" While
abroad. Henderson will inspect famous
gymnasiums and baths with a view to
improving facilities at the Capitol.
y
The Federal Government owns IS per
cent Of the acreage Of the entire State
Of ON New MexIfo' Representative Dempsey