Page:In Memory of Albert Hawkins.djvu/3

274 did not desert journalism and embrace history as his calling. Had he done so his reputation as a historian would have been assured, and he might even have attained to renown. Yet in all likelihood his service as historian was more general in effect, by virtue of his journalistic contributions, than ever it could have been had he applied himself exclusively to the preparation of books. He himself would declare that he chose wisely, when he elected to talk with frequency and interest, to an audience of newspaper readers, scarcely any of whom were aware of his identity. It contented him. And beyond question the public knowledge of northwestern history must have obtained considerable advantage from his contributions to The Oregonian. His was an easy, direct and tolerant instruction.

A year from now, a score of years from now, and for long after, the files of The Oregonian will be sought by students and writers for the materials he introduced. It will constitute no small recognition of his worth.