SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon lawmakers are considering a recommendation that Nez Perce leader Chief Joseph and suffragette Abigail Scott Duniway replace two other symbols of the state among the statues on display at the U.S. Capitol.
But Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter says not so fast.
In a letter to Oregon leaders, Otter says Chief Joseph might have more of a historical connection to his state.
“Chief Joseph’s story and legacy in the Northwest is indeed historically notable,” Otter wrote. “But a close examination of history may indicate a more significant historical tie to Idaho than any other state in our region. I therefore would urge a careful analysis of the chief’s history, and I will be grateful for your kind consideration of Idaho in this regard.”
Otter’s letter came up during an Oregon Senate Rules Committee meeting last week, the Statesman Journal newspaper reported (https://is.gd/ATir64 ).
It stemmed from proposal to replace Oregon’s statues at the National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington, D.C. Each state has two statues on display there.
Since 1953, Oregon’s statues have been pioneer Jason Lee, a 19th century missionary who founded what became Willamette University, and John McLoughlin, a fur trader known as the father of Oregon.
The Oregon Statuary Hall Study Commission recommended the replacements after studying the issue with the Oregon Historical Society.
Chief Joseph led 750 Nez Perce tribal members on a 1,700-mile journey from Oregon to Montana in an unsuccessful bid to reach Canada and avoid being confined to a reservation. They were forced to surrender in 1877 after U.S. troops stopped them about 40 miles south of the Canadian border.
In a famous speech made after the surrender, Chief Joseph said: “From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”
Duniway was a women’s rights advocate whose efforts were key in gaining their voting rights.
A bill to replace the existing statues remains in committee. It must be approved by the Legislature and governor.
___
Information from: Statesman Journal, https://www.statesmanjournal.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.