Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-01-05
Is There not an American La
fayette?
BY REV. NARcIssE CYR.

mean is there not a man in America
to do now for France what Lafayette did
for America And are there not men to
follow such leader? ask myself these
questions as 1 see poor France bleeding
in the grasp of ruthless invaders9 I
know that good deal of sympathy is now
felt on this continent for that unfortu.
nate country. l am aware that our gov
ernment hes recognised the French Re-
dor in Paris has done, and is probably
still doing good service in the cause of
liberty. But this is not enough, much
more ought to be done, if not by the gov
eminent, at least by individuals. Cannot
America produce friends of liberty, men
animated with holy enthusiasm in this
glorious cause, ready to do and suffer that
the grand principles of liberty may be es-
tablished in other lands? shall be sorry
if this Republic, with all its Boosting and
self-admiring complaceney, does not pro-
ouCC q SChCiOoct SoAidhtB uODACs
all-devoted friends of liberty, to do for
France at this the hour of her peril, some
thing similar to what the celebrated
young marquis did for the United States
Is it possible that degenerate monarchy
will have given to the world better friends
of liberty than this one grand Republic
We are afraid to be obliged to confess the
humiliating fact.
But, it may be asked, what did Lafa-
yette dc? All Americans know that he
did something, that he rendered impor.
tant aid in the cause of the revolution,
but it is not generally known how noble,
disinterested, and self-denying was this
service. Let us merely state the general
facts in the case, and let all Judge for
themselves.
When all was dark in this country. the
marquis de Lafayette, then only nineteen
years old, left the most brilliant court of
Europe, fitted up frigate at his own ex-
pense, left charming wife with babe
in the cradle, and FORGETTING his position
as one of the grandees of the realm, sailed
to America, and as soon as he had touch
ed the shore, rode as fast as horses could
take him, to General Washington's head
quarters, placing his life, his men, his
great fortune, on the altar of liberty He
fought by the side of Washington, was
wounded, and then went back to France,
from which he soon returned with men,
vessels and money, distinguished himself
on several occasions, caused France to re-
cognize the young Republic, and succeed
ed even in securing soldiers from Louis |
XVI for the revolution in America. These
are merely the outlines of Ethe wonderful
history of Lafayette as it relates to this
country, history of unparalleled devotion
to freedom, history which cannot be
read in its details without inspiring in
every noble heart the most unlimited adj
miration for the hero, as we'll as the most
lively enthusiasm for the glorious cause
be 80 grandly served.
France has never needed assistance, but
she extended the helping hand to many a
nation She may think she does not need
any foreign help even now in her greatest
trials. And yet, for the honor of this
and for the interests of liberty in
the world, the writer would rejoice to see
American generals with American legions
lee to the succor of the infant Republic,
and my impression is that their moral in
9uence would be greater even than their
weight in the present struggle,
and they would doubtless render great
service to the cause of liberty in that now
distracted country.
But such a thing some may exclaim,
would be contrary to the laws of the la nd.
We think there is no law preventing
Americans from going to France and
lighting for France. Where there is
will there is way.
I do not believe in aggressive wars, but
hold to the right of self-defence, which
g really the present attitude of France.
To aid that country, to repel the Ger
mans and compel these to make peace, |
consider work of humanity, just as
much as helping to defend my neighbours
house from violence.
l will go even further, not only indivi-
iual aid ought to be given to France at
he present crisis, but the government
ought to do more to save, if possible, the
French Republic, and bring about an
peace. The writer firmly be-
ieves that Republic can live in France
f only the invaders could be repulsed,
md, as he endeavored to show in for
ner article, Republic in France would
% beacon of light and a star of hope for
he rest of Europe.
Is America Indifferent to the progress
If liberty throughout the world Are the
United States content to enjoy this pre-
,ious boon in selfish manner, and view
With stole Indifference the great duel now
ought between the French Republic and
he German Empire? If SO, then this
country has degenerated, it has lost the
rue love of liberty, for what is good for
ne is good for my neighbor; it has grown
and it will have the fate of
nations. God forbid that
he higher interests of humanity should
De lightly considered, and that the nobler
interests of our nature should be blunted
~ selfishness.
8nsiness gntifes.