HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 91-4672, by Representatives Jones, Wineberry, Hargrove, Riley, P. Johnson, Ferguson, Scott, Phillips, Basich, Casada, Jacobsen, Holland, Forner, Prentice, R. Johnson, Brough, Pruitt, Morris, Sheldon, Roland, Vance, Heavey, Rasmussen, Leonard, Ludwig, Cole, Fraser, R. King, Dorn, O'Brien and Dellwo

     WHEREAS, Exploring for the sake of scientific curiosity and the increase of knowledge has become part of our heritage, our romance, and our projection of the destiny of our species; and

     WHEREAS, Out of the vigor and valor of Spain and Mexico extensive exploration of the Pacific Northwest was begun; and

     WHEREAS, The Spanish and Mexican people came as the first nonIndians to the greater Pacific Northwest between 1774 and 1795 to bravely explore, conduct important scientific studies, establish outposts, and study, understand, and peacefully trade with the native peoples; and

     WHEREAS, One of the most extensive scientific explorations the world has ever known was launched by Spain in 1789, under the visionary leadership of Alejandro Malaspina sailing the Atrevida and the Descubierta for the noble purpose of knowledge, not conquest; and

     WHEREAS, Malaspina's mapping expedition was concurrent with Robert Gray's trading expedition to the Northwest; and

     WHEREAS, Malaspina's adventure in the Pacific Northwest rightfully stands alongside the great  explorations of Columbus, Magellan, and Cook in the school textbooks of the western world, yet only a few scholars are aware of the expedition and its magnificent accomplishments and discoveries; and

     WHEREAS, The Spanish Armada Real, our allies under their great Commander Galvez, fought bravely side by side with us in the cause of the American Revolution.  Friendly ties were maintained during this period of time, and American commerce was allowed in Spanish territorial waters, thus cementing Spanish-American friendship.  Two hundred years later that friendship is symbolized by the meeting of the Spanish naval vessel Juan Sebastian de Elacano and Washington State's tall ship, The Lady Washington, a replica of Captain Robert Gray's ship; and

     WHEREAS, The Spanish naval vessel Juan Sebastian de Elcano and her captain and crew are visiting Port Townsend, April 13-14, 1991; and

     WHEREAS, The 1992 International Maritime Bicentennial and the international exhibition, "Enlightened voyages:  Malaspina and Galiano on the Northwest Coast, 1791-1792," being hosted May 4 - July 7, 1991, at the Washington State Historical Society, are testimony to the importance of the historical event and the key accomplishments Hispanics have made to the State of Washington;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this internationally significant historical event, the expedition of Malaspina, be recognized by the people of Washington State; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and commemorate the importance of the explorations and scientific discoveries made by Malaspina and the other Spanish sailors who came to the Puget Sound over two hundred years ago, the accomplishments of Mexican scientists and artists, and the over two hundred years of Hispanic contributions to the State of Washington; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the people of Washington State join in welcoming the Spanish ambassador to the United States, the Honorable Jaime de Ojeda; the Council General of Spain, the Honorable Cesar Gonzalez Palacios; the President of Spain '92 foundation, the Honorable Rafael Mazarrasa; and the beautiful and seaworthy ship, Juan Sebastian de Elcano and her Spanish crew to Port Townsend; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and appreciate the significant contributions to this special event on the part of the Spanish Navy, Spanish national television, Canadian Navy, United States Navy, Native American nations, the Washington State Historical Society, 1992 International Maritime Bicentennial, Americas Institute of Art, History, and Culture, Washington State Spanish Quincentennial Foundation, the esteemed Luis Fernando Esteban and Iberia Airlines, the city of Port Townsend, and Jefferson County and Jefferson County Maritime Bicentennial Committee.

                   I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

                   Resolution 4672 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                       April 12, 1991.

                               ________________________________

                     Alan Thompson, Chief Clerk, House of Representatives