Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 25.djvu/100

82 strumental in determining the boundaries of the Oregon Country.

The sacrifices they so joyfully made for their fellows, their unflinching loyalty to their country and its institutions and their ringing proclamation of a brotherhood defining the loftiest standards of human action have been an inspiration to all who have been the beneficiaries of their achievements, and have imposed upon Oregon's sons obligations which can never be repaid, and which may be recognized only by the best efforts of a worthy citizenship.

Some months ago, I commissioned Mr. A. Phimister Proctor, the sculptor, who has endeared himself to the West by his interpretation of frontier life, to design and have cast in bronze an equestrian statue of heroic size to be known as the Circuit Rider. In height, it is to be about 12 feet and placed on an appropriate pedestal, 6 to 8 feet high.

Mr. Proctor has just brought to the state the model of his design. It has been exhibited to a goodly number of our people for critical observation, and all who have seen it express their approval of it.

Through you, I desire to offer the statue as a gift to the state. If you consider its acceptance appropriate, will you kindly name a committee of Oregon citizens, with whom I desire you to act, to designate a place to locate it.

It is expected that it will be ready for delivery some time next year. I enclose you a photograph of the model.

Grateful for your anticipated consideration, I am,

Sincerely yours, R. A. BOOTH