Pride Prejudiced

Mark Yost visits Jamestown and finds something missing (WSJ sub req):

On May 13, 1607, 104 English men and boys waded ashore here. They then proceeded to decimate a native population that had lived in utter equanimity prior to their arrival, and would eventually import a slave-labor force to rape the continent of its natural resources, all for the ugly motivation of profit.

At least that's the central theme of the exhibits marking the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America. There's no denying that those elements are part of the Jamestown story. But Jamestown contributed much more. It gave us three of our most important founding principles: private-property rights, representative government and civilian control of the military. Jamestown also was a strictly for-profit venture. Its eventual success laid the foundation for our capitalist, entrepreneurial culture, a development that cannot be understated.

"It was, in many ways, the most important colony," Jamestown historian and author Jim Horn told me during my visit.

Unfortunately, capitalism and the rule of law are given but a polite nod here. The overarching storyline is that Jamestown brought together three peoples from three different continents -- the English, the Native Americans and the Africans -- into a new multicultural society and all that it entails.

Why take pride in your history when it's much easier and morse satisfying to wallow in guilt?

Mr. Yost does find some interesting artifacts:

Young grad students can be seen sifting dirt and documenting artifacts. There's also an archaearium, a small museum built over the site of the last active statehouse here (1660-98). It features the usual artifacts, such as musket balls, pottery and pipes, as well as some unusual items. There's a combination toothpick and earwax scooper, as well as the Spatula Mundani, a long metal rod with a flat scooper at one end and a sharp probe at the other. It was created by Jamestown surgeon John Woodall to treat "severe constipation," a disease that "killeth many."

I would imagine the mere mention of using the Spatula Mundani probably cleared up the problem in most cases. No thanks Doc, I'm feeling better already. Mind if I borrow your newspaper?