Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 6.djvu/21

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Significance of Lewis and Clark Exploration.
15

and all of which it so well symbolizes. In the audacity of youth Jefferson proposed to reserve this continent as the home of the largest liberty, equality, and enlightenment. A transcontinental exploration was the first step thereto.

II.

Jefferson's Purpose With Transcontinental Exploration as Seen in the Official Medallion, in the Occasions Seized for Urging It, in Leaders Selected and Instructions Given.

In essaying to show that the Lewis and Clark explorations had in it and back of it ideas and purposes that fit it to become the watchword for the spirit and aims that should be the passion of this community to-day it may be helpful to compare two tokens of that event. Take first the official emblem of the Centennial Exposition commemorating the achievement. For the design in it we have figures representing Lewis and Clark and the blithe and buxom Miss Columbia, taken off their feet, as it were, on "sighting the Pacific." This pictures admirably the hallelujah of Captain Clark recorded in his journal in the words, "Ocean in view! the joy!" It expresses as well, too, the hosanna of the people of the