THE CHEMAWA AMERICAN
THE LIBERTY BELL
A RECENT OREGON" JOURNAL GIVES HISTORY
6
HK liberty, bell, which will arrive in Portland for a few
hours July 15, is the most sacred relic and patriotic
symbol of the people of the United States.
While its home is Philadelphia, millions have seen
it, children have kissed it and the country through
which it has passed on its few trips since 1884 has
been made more fertile for patriotism.
On the trips it has been of immense educational value and has result
ed in both "edification and inspiration," and according to the testimo
ny of those who have accompanied the bell on its trips it gives children
and grown-ups a thrill of loyalty and devotion that can not be forgotten.
The bell is to arrive here at 6 o'clock in the morning of July 15 and
leave at noon the same day, so that there will be just six hours for the
residents of Portland and nearby towns to see the relic which is held so
dear to the hearts of the American people.
While plans, have not been completed for the big public reception to be
held on the arrival of the bell, and the city officials and others of Phil
adelphia who are to accompany it, it is proposed to have a committee
headed by Mayor Albee and the city commissioners in charge.
J. A. Currey, a former Philadelphian, and a probable member of the
committee, has already discussed the matter with Mayor Albee and the
mayor has agreed to be chairman of the big reception committee.
It is suggested that Mayor Albee proclaim a holiday while the bell is
here that all business men and employes alike may be given an oppor
tunity to see the bell which first "proclaimed liberty throughout the
land."
It is expected that thousands will come from towns near Portland to
see the bell, for it has been the experience on every trip so far made
that people who were seldom in town drove and rode miles that they
might see or touch the relic. On its various trips it has caused more
interest and patriotism than the visit of any president. ,
John J. Ridgway, former sheriff and surveyor of the port of Philadel
phia, was one of those who made the first official trip with the bell when
it was taken to New Orleans in 1884. Here is what he says concern
ing the enthusiasm and patriotism aroused:
"Every town we stopped in great enthusiasm marked the arrival of
the bell. The demonstration of reverence and thankfulness for the bell
at times was touching. In one little town there was a deaf, dumb and
blind asylum The children of this home were led out to the railroad