“In King Philip’s War he courageously went through, And the native Indians he bravely did subdue; And now he’s gone down to the grave and he will be no more, Until it please Almighty God his body to restore Into some proper shape as he thinks fit to be, Perhaps like a grain of wheat, as Paul sets forth, you see.” In all probability Joseph Williams did his duty during the terrible Indian scourge, yet we prefer to dwell upon those earlier, pleasanter days when the friendship of the red man had not turned to distrust and hatred. Roger Williams Park recalls that period, for it was formerly the woodland and fields given by Canonicus and Miantonomo to the white neighbor and friend they always loved and respected. In time it became the possession of Miss Betsy Williams, who bequeathed it to the city in memory of her famous and well-beloved ancestor. The hundred acres have since been beautified and added to until to-day the picturesque stretch of park-land is one of the most attractive in the United States--a fitting and beautiful memorial to the great man whose name it bears. Miss Williams attached one condition to her gift--that a statue of Roger Williams should be erected by Providence. The condition was met and to Mr. Franklin Simmons of Rome was entrusted the important but difficult task of trying to express in granite and bronze something of the nobility of one of the greatest of Americans. Roger Williams has also been awarded a niche in the “Hall of Fame for Great Americans” at New York University. He is one of an illustrious company of wonderful characters who have made America--and the world--better for their having lived. But, after all, it is in the hearts of all true Americans that Roger Williams should be given the most cherished place. The principles for which he stood have so long been recognized and accepted by the world that we are apt to forget there ever was a time when they were new and startling. All the more honor, then, is due him for having had the courage of his convictions when it meant unpopularity, misunderstanding and suffering. “Aye, let the Muse of History write On a white stone his honored name, Loyal to liberty and light, First on Rhode Island’s roll of fame. “While Church and State would ‘hold the fort’ With sword and scourge and penal fires, His faith a broader haven sought, The faith that welcomes and aspires. “While credal watchwords rise and fall, His banner to the winds unfurled, Proclaimed on Freedom’s outer wall, Peace and Good-will to all the world. “Well may the Muse of History place Foremost among the just and free, His honored name, wherein we trace The soul of Law and Liberty.” Transcriber’s Notes In the caption on the illustration between pages 46 and 57, “Seekenk River” changed to “Seekonk River”. Page 121: “tweny-four” changed to “twenty-four” Page 192: “the Narrangansetts” changed to “the Narragansetts”