River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1881-10-27
YORKTOWN CELEBRATION
The Speeches and Ceremonies of
the Dignitaries of Three
Great Nations.

French and German delegations, in
full uniform, arrived at Lafayette Hall.
On entering, the marine band of Wash
ington played an appropriate air. The
military officers, senators, congressman,
and other persons of distinction greeted
them as they passed. At the end of
the palIa the President met the distin-
guished guests and an informal inter-
change of courtesies took place. In a
few moments the party started for the
grand stand, President Arthur and
Secretary Hunt leading They were
received with cheers as they appeared
on the platform. Next came Secretary
Blaine escorting the French delega-
ton, followed by the German delega-
ton. Gen. Sherman with his staff were
the next in line, Gen. Hancock and
staff following. Gen. Hancock was
given three cheers. After a general
handshaking the ceremonies opened
by prayer by Bishop Harris. He in
voked the divine blessing upon the
United States and the republic of France,
and in conclusion asked Gods blessing
upon all crowned heads of the world.
The Poindexter centennial hymn was
then sung by the chorus from Balti-
more, Richmond and Washington.
President Arthur was then intro
duced by Secretary Blaine and deliver
ed the following address;
Upon this soil one hundred years
r.. cal ~
full issue their heroic struggle for indie
pendence which here and then was es-
tablished, and as we trust may be Sc
cure upon this continent for ages to
come. The principles of government
which is the very fibre of our political
system, the sovereignty of the people,
the sentiments which attended and
for time survived the clash
of arms have long ceased to animate
our hearts; it is with no feeling of ex-
ultation of a defeated foe that, to-day,
we summon up n remembrance OF
those events which have made holy the
ground wherein we tread. Surely no
such unworthy sentiment could find
harbor in our hearts, heralded with the
expression of sorrow which the nation
al bereavement has evolved from the
people of England, and their august
sovereign; but it is altogether fitting
that we should gather here to refresh
our souls with the contemplation
of the unfaltering patriotism, the
sturdy zeal and the sub
lime faith which achieved the re-
suits we now commemorate, so we may
learn a right lesson of how shall we be
melted to transmit to the generation
which shall follow, the precious legacy
which our fathers left to us, the love OF
liberty protected by law. OF that his
toric scene which we here celebrate, no
feature is more prominent and none
more touching that the participation OF
our gallant allies from across the
sea- 1t was their presence which gave
a fresh impulse to the hopes of our
countrymen, when well nigh disheart-
ened by long series of disasters. 1t
was their aid extended in the darkest
period of the struggle which showed
coming victory.
1t is my glad duty to offer cordial
welcome. You have a right to share
with us the memories which cluster
about the day when your fathers fought
side by side with our fathers in
cause which was here crowned with
success, and none of the memories
awakened by this anniversary are
more grateful to us, than the reflection
that the national friendships so closely
connected have outlasted the mutila-
tions of changeful century.
God grant, my countrymen, that they
may ever remain mistaken, and that
ever henceforth with ourselves and
with all nations of the earth, we may
be at peace.
The president was not interrupted
during the delivery of the address, but
there was great enthusiasm at its close.
Max Outrey then, in behalf of the
French delegation, was introduced by
Secretary Blaine and delivered an adj
dress.
Outrey said the French government
felt much touched by the friendly SEN
timents which inspired the United
States with the Thoughts of asking
France to participate in the celebration
of the Yorktown centennial, and heart
lily desire to respond in a manner
worthy of both republics to the invita-
ton send by the president of the Unit
ed States in behalf of the people of
America. Manifestations of public
sympathy, following the initiative taken
by the congress of the United States
bidding France to the national festival,
have been looked upon by the United
States not only as an act of the highest
courtesy but especially as a mark of
affectionate regard, having the noble
aim of cementing yet more closely the
ties which united the two republics. In
commemoration of this day, which
represents one OF the grandest events
in the political existence of this coun-
try, the French government has sent q
commission composed of special dele
gates from the different departments
of France. The president wishing to
mark his personnel has sent one Of his
own aides-de-camp. They thus desire
to show particularly their appreciation
of the graceful compliment paid to our
country, which each and all of us are
proud of having been called to honor,
representing France on the suspicious
day. The monument which is to
be erected viii not only recall
the glorious victory, but it will
perpetuate the recollections of an ever
faithful alliance, faithful through the
trials and vicissitudes of the eventful
century, and as the past French repub-
lie has so truly said it will consecrate
the. union sprung from the generous
and liberal aspirations, and of which
institutions we can now boast In
common, must necessarily strengthen
and develope for the good of both
countries. In coming to this York
town centennial, we come to celebrate
day which ended that long and bitter
struggle against the great nation, now
our mutual friend, who here as
under all skies where the flag has float
ed, has left inefficable marks of her
grand and civilizing spirit. We come
to celebrate the glorious date when the
heroes of independence were set in
their final seal to the solemn proclama-
ton of the fourth of July, 1776 When
France brought from beyond the seas
the cooperation of her army and navy
to this valiant people engaged
in a war for independence; when
Lafayette, Rochambeau, Degrasse and
so many others drew in their footsteps
the young and brave scions of our most
illustrious families, they yielded to a
generous impulse, and came with dis
interestedness and courage to sustain