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Graham's
Magazine, November 1846 |
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It
is a thousand pities that the puny witticisms of a few professional
objectors should have power to prevent, even for a year, the adoption
of a name for our country. At present we have, clearly, none. There
should be no hestitation about "Appalachia." In the first place, it
is distinctive. "America" is not, and can never be made so. We may
legislate as much as we please, and assume for our country whatever
name we think right - but to us it will be no name, to any purpose
for which a name is needed, unless we can take it away from the regions
which employ it at present. South America is "America," and will insist
upon remaining so. In the second place, "Appalachia" is indigenous,
springing from one of the most magnificent and distinctive features
of the country itself. Thirdly, in employing this word we do honor
to the Aborigines, whom, hitherto, we have at all points unmercifully
despoiled, assassinated and dishonored. Fourthly, the name is the
suggestion of, perhaps, the most deservedly eminent among all the
pioneers of American literature. It is but just that Mr. Irving should
name the land for which, in letters, he first established a name.
The last, and by far the most truly important consideration of all,
however, is the music of Appalachia itself; nothing could be more
sonorous, more liquid, or of fuller volume, while its length is just
sufficient for dignity. How the gutteral "Alleghania" could ever have
been preferred for a moment is difficult to conceive. I yet hope to
find "Appalachia" assumed. |
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