Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 37.djvu/282

 minating in the disastrous climax for those who follow its evil way. That the lessons of the pictures may be more surely impressed some of the legends are translated into the Nez Perce language.

The general scheme of the chart can be seen in the accompanying illustration, but, unfortunately, on account of the reduction in size and the lack of color, it can give only a hint of the quality of the original. Perhaps the high point, pictorially, is the scene of the crucifixion, and the twelve apostles and Saint Paul clothed in the garb of dignity and decorum, modeled probably from Mr. Spalding's own "best suit." To give variety and distinction to the group green coat and brown trousers alternate with brown coat and green trousers. The reproduction fails to show the effective use of the red color to suggest the stream of blood and the gory heads of the Saint Bartholomew massacre, as well as the flames of the final punishment.

Looking at it today, removed from the strife and religious rivalries of that time, we are amused at the crudely drawn and colored figures, and we can well believe Mr. Spalding's testimony as to the interest manifested by the natives, but perhaps we may be permitted to wonder if this was not the childish interest aroused by the novelty of the pictures rather than by any great appreciation of the spiritual significance they were designed to convey.

As stated above, the Oregon Historical Society is fortunate in owning the original Protestant Ladder. It was presented by Mr. George F. Holman and his sister, Miss Kate Holman, who inherited it from their brother, the late Mr. Frederick V. Holman, for many years president of this society.