The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-09-30
OUR MINISTER TO MEXICO.

OUR MINISTER TO MEXICO.
AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BIZ COZ. POSTER BE-
FORE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.
Col. Foster 10 so we'll known ia this city
that the Sentinel repu5lisHes from the I've
Republics Of the City of Mexico his address
before the benevolent association of French,
Swiss and Bslgisns: On last Saturday, the
above named society, 1t its regular meeting,
elected the Hon. John w. Foster. United
States Minister, honorary president OF said
society. This association, which has been
distinguished for its substantial and unos-
tentatious beDevolence, and for the courteey
OF its members towards ell nationslities, has
gained the respect and esteem OF the society
TO Col. Foster is appreciated by his
cosntrymen. Upon the occasion referred
to, Col. Foster addressed the members in
the following teros:
GENTLEkEN: 1t wss with great pleasure
| accepted tie invitation of your COM
the constitution of your asso-
citation provides shall be filled by the
diplomatic representative of France. II the
meeting of te-Pigbt had been called for
| some political object / might with propriety
have excused myself from taking part in it;
for fortunately you reside in a republic
which recognizes no distinction Of persons
in its laws, and which guarantees before its
tribunals and fn the administration of JUS
tice the same
RIGHTS AND PROTECTION
to foreigners assto citizens; and my diplo-
matte or personal good offices would not De
needed. But am grstified to have this
public opportunity to express my hearty
sympathy with the noble and humane work
of your association, to assure you of the
high estimation in which your truly Chris
tan charities are held by the public, and to
do whatever may be able, however small
| 1t may be, to encourage and aid you in your
| grand work OF benevolence. Charity is one
OF the brightest and most noble Of the
Christian virtuss of our race; but it shines
with resplendent luster when bestowed
upon ones wayfaring and unfortunate coun-
t tryyIo -, in ,.., foreign land, far away
home. When sickness, disaster, poverty or
whatever misfortune unhappily Overtakes
| stranger in 4 strange land, surrounded by
strange language, nothing so cheers and re-
lieves As the kindness and charity OF his own
countrymen. render sim pie justice to she
other countries represented in this sssocia-
ton, when say that you are doing a work
Of charity and aid, which all other natiOnali-
| ties, represented by residents in this capital,
may safely adopt as q model and which
places you in advance Of them all. The
night, and which 1 have kindly been per-
unitted TO examine, shows gratifying spirit
| OF hberality on the part of
TEE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION,
and IL an unmistakable evidence OF the good
deeds and relief rendered. The hospital of
ST. Louis, which you have founded and con-
tim 30 sustain is recognised as one Of the
noble Institutions of this city, in which all
citizens a. I'd foreign residents take q just
pride. And that your work may not cease
with the living, but that 1t may extend to a
tender care for th ose whose sad lot it is to die
away from their n.Nive land and home, you
have consecrated AID prepared the most
beautiful cemetery Ia this valley for their
last resting place, where you have combined
In the sorrow OF the grave; the exquislts
haudiwork Of art AM the match]ess
beauty and fragrance of nstSre. 1t is q
most agreeable privilege have Tonight
Of taking part in the annual meeting OF your
worthy association, and also mingling with
a people, with which my country has ever
been not only at peace, but upon most cor
dial terms Of friendship, and from whose
government and people we have so often
received substantial assistance and symp2-
thy. And you will allow me this opportu>
nifty to express my earnest prayer Ior the
peace and continued prosperity of France;
and my sincere wishes for the future useful
ness and success of your association; clog
ing with the best commentary which can be
pronounced upon the good work you are
doing, quoting the words of ths author of
All Charities: cit is more blessed TO give
than to receiye."