PASSED INTO HISTORY.
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The fiftieth anniversary of the massacre at Waiilatpu mission just passed into history, was made prominent by its observance in many sections of the country with appropriate services to commemorate the martyrdom of the little band of Christian pioneers, and more especially to recognize the valuable services rendered by the Christian hero, Dr. Marcus Whitman and his devoted wife and co-laborer, Narcisse. A man of untiring energy in the cause of his religion and his duties to humanity, Whitman was also devoted to the interests of his country. His wife no less enthusiastic than her husband in all his sacrifices and undertakings to advance Christian civilization in the north west territory, shared with him the devout manifestations of remembrance by a grateful people on the that fiftieth anniversary day.
While his memory was being honored by appropriate services in Walla Walla, at many other points throughout this broad country were heard prayers, oratory, and chants in honor of the martyr missionaries, and in special remembrance of the sad fate which, at the hands of treacherous savages, fell upon the devoted ones at the Whitman mission fifty years ago.
WHEN we read the opinions which such great statesmen as Daniel Webster, Senators McDuffie, Benton and Dayton held of the value of Oregon territory seventy years ago, quoted in Dr. Hallock's oration, it is to be seen that event he most profound of American statesmen may be deceived. Where it was supposed by them that civilized habitations could scarcely exist, is now dotted over with cities, towns, villages and farms; where commerce thrives and agricultural productions are produced and exported to nearly every foreign port. Secretary Seward, when he sought the purchase of Alaska, was more far sighted than his distinguished compeers of a past age. Icy and sterile as she is, Alaska has far more than paid its cost. So with the possessions beyond the barrier of the Rockies.
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THE oration upon the life and services of Dr. Marcus Whitman, delivered by Rev. L.H. Hallock at the Walla Walla opera house on the fiftieth anniversary of the massacre at Whitman mission, was a grand and masterly presentation of the self sacrificing services of the deceased missionary, and defense of the claims made by his admirers, and disproval of representations which would detract from his now well established fame as a Christian missionary and an American patriot. The oration will be read with delight by numerous readers throughout the United States, if not in every English speaking quarter of the World. It can be found in THE UNION complete.
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