New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-08-27
Alasace and Lorraine - Swearing AiIe-
glance TO FrnnCe.

One Of the most singular proceeding;
which ever occurred in this country took
place Sunday evening, publicly. Little had
been said on the subject, outside a certain
class, and the public generally was not
aware that a great demonstration was to
be made.
After the war between France and Prus.
sia closed, and the Germans claimed AIsace
and Lorraine, the inhabitants of these two
sections were given their choice of nation
| altty-Prussia or France-the people of
| Alsace and Lorraine, no matter where Ie.
| siding, must make a declaration of their
choice of country. Most of them resident
in this section chose France, and the
| Office of the French counsel in this city has
been thrOnged with applicants men, wo-
men and children. 1t was to celebrate this
event that Alsatians, Lorrainers, and
Frenchmen agreed to make a public de-
mOnstration, by a procession and meeting
in the Opera House, with very complete
and interesting programme,
Citizens Of the two provinces named were
assisted by Frenchmen, and the procession
formed on Canal street about five o'clock
Sunday evening, Mr.. Jules Aldige, grand
Marshal, and the following aids: NJ. j. B.
Mondieght, Joseph Bayle, TIL Generelly, NJ.
Sheldeeker, L. Haupdman, E. Shidecker, L.
Haubdmann, J. AugUstin, - Baumgar-
den, - Melinger, - Birkbuckler, S.
Hyem, J. Vending, Charles Frantz, Col
Onel r. Manint, J. Pesca, Ed. Merilh P.
A. LeIOng, Charles Hemor, J. Chagnard.
Following these same a detachment of
police and a band of music. Reverend
fathers and gentlemen of the committee in
carriages. Children from the provinces on
foot. The French Society of New Orleans
with rich oOckades and splendid silk Amer
lean and French flags. Ladies in carriages.
Music The COmte Francois and friends of
the citizens Of Alsace and Lorraine bear
ing rich blue and red silk banner, painted
on one side with beautiful picture, and on
the other, incorporated November, 1861
Delegations of various societies. French
Society of Jefferson City, preceded by a
find band and rich French and American
flags. Ladies and citizens in carriages.
Carriage Of the French consul, drawn by
four white horses. louisiana Artillery
band Citizens of Alsace and Lorraine,
bearing at their head banners inscribed
with the coats of arms of AIsace and Lor-
raine. also a rich French flag, with tri-
color wreath on which was worked Phals,
burg.
b. Ladies and citizens in carriages. Music
Committee of French citizens bearing at
their head an immense silk tri color, in
scribed on one side in rich gilt, 'New Or
leans August 25, 1872" and on the other,
TO our brothers Ia nos freres), Alsace and
Lorraine citizens Citizens in carriages.
The route was down town, through sew
eral principal streets to the Opera House,
and the entire way was lined with thou
sands of people, most of whom bade them
God speed. The front of the Opera House
was decorated with evergreens and ban
ners the flags being French and American.
The stage was tastefuily arranged.
On either side were displayed the shields
of Alsace and Lorraine, while in front of
the vestibuIe were displayed the shields OF |
the various departments of France In |
the rear of the stage was a large marble !
pedestal, inscribed, Fare sin de rOir," |
rising from which was a statue of France, |
proudly pointing to the gOnfaIon of the |
country; at her feet were kneeIing the two |
sister provinces whom. she raised up en- |
ceuragingly with her hand. The parquette |
was occupied by the ladies and gentlemen |
citizens Of the provinces, while the par |
terTe was crowded with an immense null |
titude'
At given signal the band played sol. |
emn march, and the French consul. the |
gentlemen of the French and AIcase and |
Lorraine committees, with the banners of !
the various societies, took position on the
stage. As a large banner inscribed LA
Belle FrarCe,' advanced the vast assembly |
arose as with one power to its feet, and the
building shook with deafening applause,
The band ceased, and M. Passamma
DOminech, on the part Of the French com
mittee, advanced and addressed the consul, 1
VI. FaucOnnet, and the citizens of AlsaCe
aud Lorraine. He stated that he was proud
to see such an assembly, proud because he
was trenchman, and it made him think
with pride of his race, 1t was sad and
solemn occasion, but the French have two
countries, the LA Belle France" of their
birth, and this, the United States of their
adoption. All OF you will forever love your
country as your mother, your all, and in
A4to L A4J hC0A Il lOLSAS Vi tAi5dt0 anu |
lorraine, hope on, hope ever. You in your
bravery and spirit will some day, know,
,e united to La Belle France, your country
lis lengthy address throughout was excel
en5 and graceful and interrupted only by
Ounds of applause,
To this Mr.. Solomon, of the committee of
Alsace and Lorraine, replied: 1--WE, the citi-
ems of fair Alsace and bright Lorraine, |
re united sOlidly IN heart to La Belle |
rance; friends, cOmpatriOts all, we have but |
ne mother country, La Belle France; and
rom her we can never be torn asunder. 1t |
not the invaders heel or aught on earth
hat can separate US; our hearts will live ,,
nd die in her folds forever"
NJ. FauCOnnet, the French consul, re-
lied, thanking them for their allegiance,
nd forever pledging them the projection + !
f their country. l
All of the residents of the provinces came
,rward and sOlemnly, in the presence of
leir witnesses, took their allegiance to
rance, when, with grand burst of music,
le great tri-cOlOr, with. the sacred arms of {
rance, was presented to the citizens of c
lsaCe and Lorraine, when all united as in t
ne great will in singing the national ode to
rance.
The ceremony was, of course, greatly d
eightened by that spirit which rules men
their love of cOuntry-that spirit which Il
.rries men to greater extremes than any Q
her incentive can.