The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1881-10-20
The Address of Minister Outrey at
YORKTOWN Yesterday.


At Yorktown yesterday NJ. Max Outrey.
French Minister; u behalf of the French
delegation, was Introduced by Mr., Blaine.
and delivered the blowing address The
French government has felt much touched
by the friendly sentiments which inspired
the United States With the thought of ask
ing France to participate in the celebration
of the Yorktown Centennial, and heartily
desires to respond II manner worthy of
both republics to tie invitation sent by the
President of the United States in behalf of
the people of Ametica. The manifestation
of public sympathy following the initiative
taken by the Congess of the United States.
bidding Franco I'd this national festival,
has been looked upon by us not only as an
act of the highestcourtesy, but especially
as mark of affe,tionatc regard, having
the noble aim of cementing vet
more closely the tbs which unite the two
republics. In c0minemoration of this day,
which represents ore of the grandest events
Of the political existence of this country,
the French government has sent mission,
composed of special delegates from different
departments, and the president of the
French republic Wishing to mark his per-
sonal sympathy, hal sent one of his own
aides-de-camp. They thus desire to show
thcli Vi INC Rrucp-
full compliment paid to our country. Each
and all of us are proud of having been
called to the honor of representing France
on this suspicious day. The monument
which is here to be erected will not only re.
call u glorious victory. 1t will perpetuate
the rccollections of an ever faithful al
lance, faithful through the trial and vicis
STUDIES of an eventful country and as the
president of the French republic has Sc
truly said, it will consecrate the union
sprung from generous and liberal aspira.
tions, and which the institutions we
can now boast of in common must
necessarily strengthen and develop for the
good of both countries. In coming to this
Yorktown Centennial, we come to celebrate
the day which ended that long and bitter
struggle against great nation, now our
mutual ally and friend, who here, as under
all skies where her flag has floatcd has LETT
ineflaceable marks of her grand and civiliz-
ingspirit. We come to celebrate the glorious
date when the heroes Of independence were
able to set their final seal to the solemn
proclamation Of the 4th of July, 1776. We
come also to salute the dawn of that era of
prosperity when, led by her great men,
America permitted the intelligence of her
people to soar and their energy to manifest
States has strengthened, and every year has
added to the prestige which surrounds
her star-spangled banner. When France
brought from beyond the seas the
cooperation of her army aud of her
navy to this valiant people engaged in q
war for its independence; when Lafayette,
Rochambeau, De Grasse 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 disinterested courage to sustain
the cause of liberty. A blessing went with
their endeavors and gave success to their
arms, for when one hundred years ago, ms
to-day, the French and tho Americans
grasped each others hands at Yorktown,
they realized that they had helped to lay
the cornerstone of q great edifice. But
surely tho most far-sighted among those
men would have started had he been able to
look down the long vista of country and
see at this end Of the republic, then young
and struggling with all the difficulties
which surrounded her, now calm,
radiant and beaming with her halo
himself, whose genius foresaw the destiny
of this country, could not have predicted
this. Truly, the United States have made,
especially in these latter years, gigantic
strides along the route t) still greater pre- G
ress by showing to the world what can be ac-
complished by an energetic and intelligent
nation, always as respectful of its duties as
jealous of its rights. America has given n
great example, and has been cause Of re-
joicing to all true lovers of liberty. France
is proud of having contributed to found
this great republic, and her wishes for your
prosperity are deep and sincere. The
mutual friendship is founded on many af.
finities of taste and aspirations which time
cannot destroy, and future generations,
trust, will assist again, in this same place,
at the spectacle, unprecedented in history
of two great nations renewing, from century
to century, compact of fraternal and i'm
perishable affection. will not close with.
out thanking the Federal Government, the
different States of the Union of which the
delegation have been guests, also the people
of America, for the sympathy and welcome
extended to the representatives of France
Each Of us will treasure the recollection OF
American hospitality, and of the friendly
sentiments which have been manifested ia
us in every place and in every sphere"
Il