OCR Text |
Show cHetterd to the (Editor Springville Must Keep Massasoit Under the Dome, Writer Declares by J. Bert Sumsion Springville has been distinguished distin-guished nation wide for four items: 1. The construction activity. Over the great west where ever roads have been built, rivers spanned and mountains moved Springville Constructionists Construction-ists have played a thrilling part. 2. Education has been stressed stres-sed attracting national attention. atten-tion. 3. Local option excited national na-tional comment. Springville was dry altho wet on all sides, by virtue of a local plebesite. 4. Springville has made an everlasting impression geographically geo-graphically through its culture and art. Now at this particular point, Springville cannot afford to let Cyrus E. Dallin's Massasoit pass from that strategic spot under the capitol's dome where he has majestically stood through these years. The Secretary of State (La- lin offered another statue. That statue was Massasoit. As pointed out the statue will soon arrive, but the ostra-cization ostra-cization committee want him out of the capitol, perhaps out in front and instead of Massasoit Massa-soit asuming the original spot, they wish to place another work of art under the dome; something of local color. But who shall say what that will be? In Springville and vicinities, all with whom I have conversed conver-sed about the matter resound one anthem, "Let Massasoit reside under the dome." I am informed that the D. U. P., civic organizations and others in Springville are in favor of Massasoit's final residence resi-dence to be under the dome. The anthem will resound louder loud-er and longer as soon as the irritation gathers fresh air. Massasoit will adorn the Capitol majestically. He will stand in reverence for the ideals for which he lived and died. He represents neace. mont F. Toronto,) asked the Legislative Council to attempt to solve the dilemma "of what piece of statuary should be displayed dis-played under the dome of the state capitol." Only a plaster cast of the statue has been displayed. The bronze statue is in Plymouth, Mass., however, within sixty days the bronze statue will arrive. Cyrus E. Dallin had that particular unigueness to select for his themes lofty subjects. Such was the case with respect res-pect to Massasoit. You will discover without delving very deeply into American Amer-ican history that the throe most famous Indians in our early history were Algonkin. friendlyness and sacrifice. His manliness is enshrined in his stately physique. His lofty spirit bids welcome to ' all creeds and all races. The statue sta-tue will lend distinction to the capitol. If a Legislative Committee is necessary to determine where the statue of Massasoit shall be placed we suggest that Senator Grant Thorn head that committee and use his influence influ-ence to place the statue inside on that very spot where the plaque has been. The construction of a new work of art means an expenditure expendi-ture of money tax money. It means delay and . argument argu-ment and disappointment to all concerned. I think Mr. Dallin Dal-lin would be not only disappointed disap-pointed by such action, but highly offended. Furthermore we suggest that an appropriate historical statement state-ment be placed near the statue to insure a better appreciation for this masterpiece of sculpture sculp-ture work . Also that a brief statement be placed near by regarding Mr. Dallin. Under the dome of the Capitol Capi-tol there is a specific place awaiting the arrival of this great masterpiece. Massasoit will be an appropriate subject for discussion among the citizens. citi-zens. Near the statue East joins West. The story and ideals of this great American aborigine Massasoit is wrapt in the midst of the ages. His story is well nigh inscrutable. Year after year his ideals will become be-come an invigorating tonic. "Lest we forget." Pocahantas, who married an aristocratic Englishwoman. Pocahontas Po-cahontas is on the lips of nearly all the boys and girls in America and who is the subject for portrayal in many a parade and Massasoit who welcomed the Pilgrims, and who was greatly resppnsible in teaching the corn raising business busi-ness to the newcomers. He stands amongst the three great Indians in early American Ameri-can history. Without success in the production of corn many a mouth would not have been fed. Sufficient facts are there to place Algonkin in the presence of the distinguished three, but nevertheless Cyrus E. Dallin selected for his successor to the "Appeal to the Great Spirit," Massasoit the friend to the Pilgrims. Massasoit, a representative of the Wampanoages lived between be-tween 1580 and 1661. When the Pilgrims arrived, there were 30,000 of this tribe, but disease reduced them to a mere 300. Massasoit, the great chief and frienrdly peaceful man entered en-tered into an agreement with Gov. Carver. For over 50 years peace was secure. For a long time Massasoit lived near Warren, R. I. Roger Williams was his guest for many a moon. The statue will soon leave Massachusetts for Salt Lake City, to reside securely and prominently under the dome of the capitol. There is a movement on the art of some to find another place for the structure other (than under the dome of the capitol. There are some who would put Massasoit out in the cold, this peaceful, honest, spare of speech agriculturist out in the atmosphere where the wind and snow would batter bat-ter away at his stately body; where the sun would blister his cheeks and where the silvery moon would look down in shame on a citizenry that would ostracize this noble Pilgrim-greeting Chiefton to the very elements which have destroyed des-troyed many an Indian. He belongs under the dome where he can enjoy the pleasant pleas-ant shade, and the comfortable climate and to be in the presence pres-ence of the countless thousands thou-sands who come to visit the capitol. He belongs right there under un-der the dome where he can be honored and respected and esteemed for his nobility. Shame on a committee that would pitch him out. Years ago, Cyrus E. Dallin presented his "Appeal to the Great Spirit," to the state. This great work won first place in Chicago at the world's fair. The statue had a tiny flaw on the ankle of the Indian. In-dian. This tiny flaw annoyed the artist. He pointed out this tiny flaw to the State authorities autho-rities requesting that the statue sta-tue be removed. In vain was his plea. Soon thereafter Mr. Dallin appeared to destroy the statue. Physical force deterred him. Eventually the great winner win-ner was removed to a secluded spot under the steps. Mr. Dal-i |