Improvement Era, August 1929

Improvement Era Vol. XXXII AUGUST, 1929 No. 10 Cutting the Gordian Knot of Inaccessibility By Charles Griffin Plummer, M. D. PLAYERS and audience in a mighty historic human drama rendezvoused in a vast sand-swept amphitheatre in the wide Colorado river wash, beneath the turquoise-blue vault of Arizona's polychrome "Painted Desert," June 14 and 15, 1929, to dedicate the new Grand Canyon bridge crossing the Colorado river gorge in Marble Canyon, six miles below old "Lee's Ferry." On one stage the commemorative ceremonies were shown. Another presented a hitherto unparalleled marriage pact, wherein the bride gave the happy groom as her "dot" — the "highest vehicular bridge in the world." While on the third, the centre of attraction for all eyes, was por- trayed in gripping, heart-reaching pageantry, the story of Arizona's settlement by "Mormon" pioneers. Five thousand whites and Indians from at least 13 states paid the price of strenuous effort to enjoy the privilege of being guests at this unique celebration. Five great Rocky Mountain states, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah, were represented by lead- ing citizens and state officials, four states sending their governors to aid in commemorating the event. Said Governor John C. Phillips of Arizona, smiling broadly as he stepped forward to sever the colorful ribbon barrier flaunting a challenge at him from the middle of the bridge, "Governor Dern. it's a long time between — er — er — hold on, governor, I didn't mean that! I meant to say, this is the first time Utah and Arizona have actually clasped hands officially across the gorge of the Colorado. Arizona extends greetings to you and Mrs. Dern as well as to all the other good people of Utah. Today we pay more intimate homage to our sister states by means of this new steel bridge and we bid you welcome into closer, more harmonious relationship — " or in words which meant as much. Other notable men there were who came as guests and as par- ticipators in the vital ceremonies of the celebration, President Heber