PILGRIM FATHERS' MEMORIAL.
[To TUE turrom OF Tun "SPEOTATOE."] SIR,--May I beg the hospitality of your columns in order to draw the attention of your readers to a movement which has been sot on foot to establish in Southampton a memorial to the Pilgrim Fathers who set sail from that port for the Now World in 16202
It is amazing that an event of such eminent historical import- ance as the sailing of the 'Mayflower' should have been left so long without any memorial in Southampton. Britons who look with pride upon the early Colonial ventures of their ancestors, and Americans who regard with affectionate veneration the founders of their great Federation, must equally desire to see so notable an incident suitably commemorated.
To honour the memory of the Pilgrim Fathers all may join irrespective of nationality or creed. For the Pilgrim Fathers, unlike some of their contemporaries and successors, showed a sweet reasonableness in their independence, and a wide tolerance in their zeal for liberty, which disarm—as in their own day they disarmed—antagonism. They manifested a love for England and the English name which endears them to their kindred in the Old Country ; they showed a vigour, a patience, a courage, a faith which command the enduing reverence of the citizens of the Republic which they helped to found. They stand high above the unhappy controversies which embittered the lives of their successors, and Britons and Americans alike can gather in affection and esteem both on the Rock of Plymouth where they lauded, and on the quay of Southampton whence they sailed. • I wish to appeal to the English-speaking peoples on both sides of the Atlantic to join me in promoting this memorial, which I trust may become one of the ever-increasing number of bonds which are linking together in renewed amity and respect the peoples of New England to those of Old England, and, even more widely, the nations of the British Empire to the many States of the great Republic of the West.
A circular has been drawn up containing an historical narrative of the events of 1020 (showing the connexion of the Pilgrim Fathers with Southampton) and also particulars of our sohume. Those of your readers who would like to receive is copy of this circular are requested to write to the honorary secretary to the Memorial Committee, Dr. P. J. C. Hearnshaw, Hartley University College, Southampton.
Contributions to the fund may be sent to, and will be acknow-
ledged by, your; ez.c., R. G. OAKLEY (Mayor of Southampton). [We agree with the Mayor of Southampton that it is amazing that an event "fraught with a pathos so magnificent," and also with a future so great and so splendid, should remain uncom- memorated by any visible monument. We trust the Mayor's appeal may meet with a wide and generous support—En.
Spectator.]
Previous page
