2007年VOA标准英语-Reconstructed Cabin at George Washington's Farm
时间：2019-01-13 作者：英语课 分类：2007年VOA标准英语（九月）
Washington
26 September 2007
The organization that runs George Washington's estate near Washington, D.C. opened to the public a typical slave cabin from the 18th century. Most of those present at the dedication 1 say the tiny house brought back painful memories of slavery in the U.S.
Producer Zulima Palacio covered the ceremony that unveiled the highest profile slavery exhibit at the first president's estate of Mount Vernon. Jim Bertel narrates 2 the story.
A gospel singer helped dedicate the small shed. Some 300 of George Washington's slaves lived in cabins like it, about five by four meters. It was a typical house for those who worked the land on the president's farms. The reconstructed cabin will be included in the educational tours of Washington's estate at Mount Vernon.
The estate's director of preservation 3, Dennis Pogue, conducted archeological excavations 4 that revealed exact dimensions of the cabins -- and poor living conditions of slaves in the late 1700s. "According to Washington's 1793 map of the plantation 5 the cabins at the farm were arranged in rows of at least five buildings with the house of the resident overseer near by. As many as 75 individuals lived in one of the farms; meaning that these little houses would have accommodated between six and ten people each."
Poets, singers and scholars reflected about the history and suffering of the slaves.
Thomas Battle directs African American historical research at Howard University. He said slaves helped determined 6 America's destiny. "They fought in the war of independence for principles they could understand but not enjoy. They helped to create a democracy based upon freedoms long denied them and only grudgingly 7 conceded."
Two descendants of slaves who lived and died here were present. Zsun-Nee Matema was one of them. "I am here because I represent the voices of those who have passed over."
In a symbolic 8 act, descendants and guests poured spoonfuls of soil from Washington's farms on a newly planted apple tree. Then they spontaneously sang a spiritual once sung by slaves.
(Lyrics:) "And before I'd be a slave I will be buried in my grave and go home to my lord and be free."
During his life, George Washington wrote of his doubts about slavery -- a practice common in his time. By the time he died he had freed nearly half of his slaves.
- We admire her courage,compassion and dedication.我们钦佩她的勇气、爱心和奉献精神。
- Her dedication to her work was admirable.她对工作的奉献精神可钦可佩。
- It narrates the unconstitutional acts of James II. 它历数了詹姆斯二世的违法行为。 来自辞典例句
- Chapter three narrates the economy activity which Jew return the Occident. 第三章讲述了犹太人重返西欧后的经济活动。 来自互联网
- The police are responsible for the preservation of law and order.警察负责维持法律与秩序。
- The picture is in an excellent state of preservation.这幅画保存得极为完好。
- The excavations are open to the public. 发掘现场对公众开放。
- This year's excavations may reveal ancient artifacts. 今年的挖掘可能会发现史前古器物。 来自辞典例句
- His father-in-law is a plantation manager.他岳父是个种植园经营者。
- The plantation owner has possessed himself of a vast piece of land.这个种植园主把大片土地占为己有。
- I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
- He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。
- He grudgingly acknowledged having made a mistake. 他勉强承认他做错了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
- Their parents unwillingly [grudgingly] consented to the marriage. 他们的父母无可奈何地应允了这门亲事。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》