Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-11-23
France and America.

an association which embraces such
really distinguished French leaders as
Laboulsye, Wollowski and Oscar de La
fayet.e, and has also the countenance
and support Of the most eminent con-
servative thinkers OF France, propose
as their contribution to the commemora-
tion of the centennial of American lib
erty, to erect, on some island at the en-,
trance of New York harbor, colossal
copper statue, Of an appropriate allie
gorical design. Harpers Weekly, oi
latest date, contains the following:
THE project originated with an illus
trious Frenchman, M Edouard Labou
laye, from whom we have received the
following letter in regard to it:
PARIS, October Is. 1875.
To the Editor of Harper's Weekly;
'SlR-On the solemn occasion of tbt
centennial anniversary of American in
dependence France, desirous to partici
pate in the joy Of her American broth
ers, and faithful in her old traditions
wishes to celebrate with them that noble
liberty which represents the glory of the
United States, and which by its example
enlightens the modern people. The
country Of Lafayette aspires to give
striking expression Of the sympathy
which breathes in her heart, as we'll to
day as since long years ago. We cor
daily request you to assist US in th'
realization Of our grand aud patriotic
achievement. Please, sir accept oul
best feelings For the French.Americar
Union Committee, the Chairman,
'ED LABoULAYE.
The statue will be OF bronze, more
than a hundred feet in hight, standing
upon a pedestal of the same elevation
The model for the figure, designed by
the celebrated French sculptor M. Au
guste Bartholdi, has been approved and
accepted by the committee in Paris un
der whose auspices the project is to bt
carried out. The pedestal will be deco
rated with allegorical bass-reliefs, repre-
senting the progress of the United Statel
during the first hundred years of theil
independence. France designs to pre-
sent US with the statue; we are to real
the pedestal. Rising to the hight Of two
hundred feet about the waters Of the
harbor, this majestic statue will tower By
day against the sky, while by nigh
streams Of light will radiate from tht
head.
"The committee, of which NJ. Labou
lave is chairman, have issued circular
calling upon the people Of France fol
subscriptions to enable them to carry
out this grand project. They appeal tC
Americans to unite with them in thu'
celebrating the old and sincere friend
ship which has so long existed between
the two nations, The appeal should no
be made in vain.
La Petit Journal of Paris publishes
the following princely offer Of materia
aid, which we translate for the benefit o.
the readers of the LEDGER;
A great manufacturer in metals offered
to give as subscription all the copper
necessary for the casting. At this news
NJ. Barthold went and found the manu-
facturer and said to him: II desire tC
apprise you, Monsieur, that the statue oI
liberty will be q metres in hight" "Ah
well2' (Eh bien?) THAT is to say, it viii
require q tons of copper. Now that
will be princely gift" (un cadeau prin
cier. II am not prince" responded
the manufacturer, with smile, but |
love liberty; love America | desire tC
prove that Frenchmen can vie in patri
otism with Americans. ! will maintain
my subscription. will give it on one
condition, that is, that you will not pub
lish my name in the journals.
M spared his modesty. 1t will
make a subscription which will exceed
fifty thousand dollars.
La Petit Journal adds: This libe
rality does not require any commentary
and tie modesty Of the donor enhances
ito valna -