The Cecil Whig., 1877-11-10
GRANT IN FRANCE.


PROPOSING GENERAL GRANTS HEALTH
RESPONSE "f Tue orufR
srEECHEs.
PARIS, Nov. 1.-THE banquet given in
homo: of Gen Grant by the American resi-
dents of Paris to night was remarkably
brilliant affair. 1t began at o'clock and
the guests, to the number of $50, filed seven
tables At a sem-circular table raised
above the others were ex-President Grant,
Minister Noyes, Consul General Torbert,
Mr.. Fignaud of the American Legation,
Jesse Grant, Marquis de Rochambcau, NJ.
de Lafayette, and Mrs. Grant, Mrs. Noyes,
Mrs. Stevens Mrs. Lincoln, and Mrs.
Sickles' The other guests occupied six
parallel tables, which We're presided over
by members of the Banquet Committee,
viz DR.. Johnston, Dr. Ryan, Col Evelyn,
Rev. d. Hitchcock, Mr.. Vadburghen and
Mr.. Woods.
The banqueting hall was splendidly deco
rated and Illuminated The Franco. Ameri-
eau Union contributed portrait of Gen.
Grant, which, adorned with flags, was hung
over the principal table. A band stationed
in the gallery played at intervals, and vocal
music was given by a chorus furnished by
the Director of the Italian opera.
Gen. Grant, Minister Noyes, and Gen.
Tolbert were in full military uniform.
Mr.. Noyes, as Chairman, proposed the
following toasts:
The President of the United States
which was responded to by music only
"The President oc the French Repub-
lie to which a similar response was made.
These were followed by the toast of the
evening, Our Guest, Gen. Grant," which
was proposed by the chairman in the fol
lowing speech:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: 1t has gen.
orally happened that when great public
crisis has occurred, such as a revolution for
Independence or struggle for national ex-
istance, some man has been found specially
fitted for the emergency. When the war
of secession was inaugurated i'll America,
a quiet and silent man was pursuing an
avocation i'll civil life in 4 small town in
Illinois. AS soon as the first hostile guns
opened upon Fort Sumter he offered his
service TO his country and was ap-
pointed Colonel of 4 regiment of volunteers.
rhe threatre of war was rapidly extend
ded until it stretched westward 900 miles
from the sea, across great rivers and noun
tain ranges. immense armies were assem-
bled, composed of brave and chivalrous
soldiers commanded by able and accom-
plShed leaders. Both sides nerved them
selves for a bloody and terrible struggle.
Our Illinois Colonel rose in rank until there
was no grade Sufficient for his recognition
and reward, and two new oues were success
slvely created. This silent man had shaken
the continent with the thunder of his artil-
lery. At the close of the war he was
General-in-- Chief, commanding all the
armies Of the Republic, which carried upon
their musters rolls 1,100,0 0000 men. The
Union was preserved and its flag every
rGnr t,I tIn 9
he was twice called to the highest office in
the gift of the people, He administered
the Government with moderation, generosity
wisdom, aud success, and his place in his
tory as civil magistrate will be amon5
the formost. After 16 years of such labor
as few men could endure; after such sue
cess III war and peace as few men ever at
tain, be seeks recreation in many lands and
an opportunity TO compare the institutions
of his own country with the civilization
and forms of government of the Old World.
1t is our happy privilege to night to welcome
the great soldier and statesman to this, the
queen city of the world, and wish for him
and his family health and happiness.
now propose the health of the distinguished
guest of the evening""
The delivery of the speech was fire.
quently interrupted by applause.
Gen Grant, on rising to reply, was re-
ceived with prolonged cheering. He said:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: After your
fattering reception and the compliments
of Gov. Noyes | am embarrassed to thank
you as ! should wish. During the five and
a half months have been in Europe my
reception has been very gratifying, not
only to me, but also, above all, to my
country aud countrymen, who were honored
by it. | thank the American Colony of
Paris. | hope its members will erjoy their
visit here as | am doing and hope to do for
some weeks yet. hope when you return
home you will find you realized the benefits
predicted by our Minister
Long and enthusiastic applause followed
the Generals speech.
The toast "Our Country succeeded, and
was responded to by Mr.. Rantoul.
NJ. De Lafayette replied TO the toast of
France" He said France duly appre-
ciated the great leader and great citizen
who honored her by his visit. NJ. De. Lafa,
yette remarked that Gen. Grant quilted
power solely to bow before the laws of his
country. He thanked him for visiting
France, because he was a great example
for her and because France gained from
close inspection. In conclusion he alluded
to the Revolutionary War, and expressed
an ardent wish that the French and Ameri-
can Republics should never be separated,
but form an indissoluble union for the
welfare, liberty, and independence of peo-
pies.
The Marquis of Rochambeau also spoke
in eulogy of Gen. Grant.
The toast, "The Army and Navy" was
responded to by the singing of the "Star
Spangled Banner :" by the Italian Chorus.
Mr.. Noys finally proposed "The LADIES'
and Gen. Torbert offered "The health of
the United States Minister" Mr.. Noyes
replied briefly, and the company then ad-
iourped to the drawing room