Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 16.djvu/199



ADDRESS OF WELCOME 179

achievement is one of that large class of facts which encourage us in the hope of a rational future for humanity. It is a lesson in the get-together-spirit. Every farm, every com- munity, every town, every city from the top of the Rocky Mountains and from the northern boundary to Astoria shakes hands with every other on this day. And not only so but every state in the Union joins in the glad tribute in something of common national interest. But while we recognize the sig- nificance of this event in connection with inter-state unity we must note also that the Columbia is an inter-national river. It is in fact, the only river of large size which we possess in common with our sister country, Canada. About half of it is in each country. Its navigability through the Canadian section has already been taken up energetically by the Canadian Gov- ernment. Think of the unique and splendid scenic route that will sometime be offered when great steamboats can go from Revelstoke to Astoria, a thousand miles. Scenically and com- mercially our River will be in a class by itself.

Such are some of the glowing visions which rise before our eyes in the welcome with which we of the Walla Walla Valley greet you. I began by a three-fold welcome in the name of the past, present and future. I venture to close in the name of the native sons and daughters of Old Oregon. There are many of these within the sound of my voice. Perhaps to such sons and daughters a few lines to our Mother Oregon may come with the touch of sacred memory. Let me explain that Old Oregon includes Washington and Idaho, and when I use the name "our Mother Oregon" I include our entire Northwest :

Where is the land of rivers and fountains, Of deep shadowed valleys and sky-scaling mountains? 'Tis Oregon, our Oregon.

Where is the home of the apple and rose, Where the wild currant blooms and the hazel-nut grows? 'Tis Oregon, bright Oregon.

Where are the crags whence the glaciers flow, And the forests of fir where the south winds blow? In Oregon, grand Oregon.