Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 8.djvu/279

Rh Not only are these basaltic columns appropriate from a local standpoint, but as monuments of State history they are equally suitable. Basaltic rock forms the strong back-bone of our mountains and confines within precipitous walls our mad, rushing mountain torrents, and our placid, but mighty rivers, even from the McKenzie, down the Willamette and the Columbia to the sea. The law of fitness has indeed been fulfilled, and our chapter of Oregon's history has been recorded forever.

The only other historic monument in our State is the one at Champoeg, commemorating the saving of Oregon to the United States. The Willamette Valley has many other historic spots which should be marked. Washington has unveiled a monument to Marcus Whitman; why should Oregon not dedicate a shaft to the memory of John McLoughlin? The people of our State need to be awakened to the importance of the historical legacy which it is their privilege to give to the world in lasting form. Several books on Oregon history have been written, and many more may be woven from reminiscences gleaned from the passing pioneers. Such books are invaluable for reference; but how many of us read them in detail? What we need is history so recorded that it must be read. To quote from our pioneer editor:

"The noblest treasure of any State is the memory of its heroic dead. Recorded in books, their deeds soon fail from the common memory and are recollected only by students. But a monument erected in a great city which meets the eye and holds the attention of every passer-by is a perpetual reminder and an unfailing incentive to emulation. Such monuments manifest both civic patriotism and genuine appreciation of great deeds. They beautify the city where they stand and educate its citizens to love their country and value the renown of its heroes. * * * The time will come, undoubtedly, when the parks and squares of our cities will be peopled with the statues of heroes and dignified with their monuments. The cities themselves will become worthy both in architecture and civic spirit of the memories which they enshrine, and our entire public life will rise to a higher plane. On our dead