The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-20
YORKTOWN.
Formal Reception Of the French
and German Guests.
ADDRESSES BY PRESIDENT ARTHUR
AND THE FOREIGN VISITORS.
The British Flag to be Saluted.

YORKTOWN, Oct. 19,-At III 40 This morning
Secretary Blaine, with the French and Ger
man delegations in full uniform, arrived at
Lafayette Hall, on entering which the Marine
Band of Washington discoursed music They
passed through an aise on one side of which
there was line OF military officers, with Sena-
tors, congressman and other persons of dis
tinction on the other. At the end of the hall
the President was met by Secretary Blaine
and the two gentlemen walked through the
aisle, bidding good morning to those present
as they passed. They then returned and 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 upon the platform. Next came
Secretary Blaine escorting the French delega-
ton, followed by the German delegation. Gen.
Sherman, with his staff in uniform, was next
in line, Gen. Hancock and staff following
Gen. Hancock had his little boy by the hand
as he walked to the stand and was given three
cheers Alter general hand shaking the GER
emonies were opened by prayer. by Bishop
Harris. He invoked the Divine blessing upon
the United States, the republic Of France, but
did not refer to Germany at all, except in
conclusion he prayed that God would bless ali
crowned heads of the world. Poindexters Cen
tennial hymn was then sung by choirs from
Baltimore, Richmond and Washington. Pres
ident Arthur was then introduced by Secretary
Blaine, and delivered the following address:
Upon this soil one hundred years ago our
forefathers brought TO successful issue their
heroic struggle for independence Here and
then was established and, as we trust, made
secure upon this continent for ages yet TO come
that principle of government which is the very
fibre of our political system, the sovereignty OF
the people. The resentments which attended
and for a time survived the clash of arms have
long since ceased to animate our hearts. 1t is
with no feeling OF exultation over q defeated
foe that to-day we summon remembrance OF
those events which have made holy the ground
xuha Wa 10
sentiment could find harbor in our hearts. so
profoundly thrilled with the expression of sor-
row and sympathy which our national be-
reavement has evoked from the people of
England and their august sovereign, but it is
altogether htting that we should gather here to
refresh our souls wi the plation of the
unfaltering patriotism, the sturdy zeal and she
sublime faith which achieved the results we
now commemorate, for 30, if we learn Alright
the lesson of the hour, shall we be melted to
transmit to the generation which shall follow
the precious legacy which our fathers left 10
us-ihe love OF liberty protected by law. OF
that historic scene which we here celebrate no
feature Is more prominent, and none more
touching, than the participation of our gallant
allies from across the sea. 1t was their pres
ence which gave fresh and vigorous impulse to
the hopes OF our countrymen when we'll nigh
disheartened by a long series of disasters. 1t
was their noble and generous aid, extended in
The darkest period OF the struggle, which spec
the coming OF our triumph aud made the capi-
JulasIon al Yorktown possible century ago
To their descendants and representatives who
are here present as the favored guests OF the
nation, it is my glad duly to offer cordial well
come. You have q right to share with us the
associations which cluster about the day when
your fathers fought eide by side with our faith
ers in the cause which was here crowned with
success and none of the memories awakened
by this anniversary are more grateful to us all
than the reflection that the national friendships
here SO closely csmented have outlasted the
mu lations OF changeful century. God grant
my country men, they may ever remain III
shaken, and that ever henceforlh with our
selves and with all the nations of the earth we
may be at peace"
The President was not interrupted during the
delivery, but there was great enthusiasm at
its close. AT the conclusion of President Ar
thurs address Max Outrey, in behalf the
French delegation, was introduced by Secre-
tary Blaine, and delivered an address in
French
Tue Marquis de Rochambeau made grace
full response in French, in which he said:
I'VE cherish the same sentiments as our
fathers in those glorious days we celebrate. In
the name of my companions who represent
the men who fought, permit me to hope that
the attachment formed III those days around
this monument which is about to be erected,
will be remembered in one hundred years, and
will again celebrate the victory which joined
our fathers in comradeship and alliance
Baron Steaben then responded in German 10
an appropriate speech, which was loudly APP
plauded.
There were voeiferous cheers for our distin-
guished guests. The centennial ode was sung
by q chorus. Harrison Willard, of New York,
sung "God save our President from HARM
with good effect Hon. Robert G. Winthrop,
of Massachusetts, then delivered his grafton.
The Grafton was listened to with great interest,
and at the conclusion he was loudly cheered,
hand the ms t1la ffGfar
Spangled Banner" James Baron Hope of
Virginia, then read his centennial poem with
fine effect. Music by the band concluded the
ceremonies. About Two thousand ps9glaae w fAf,s
lines '''>Ne '-'o
At the conclusion of the ceremonies at the
in Lafayette Hall, to which the general pub
lie were admitted. Hundreds of people
thronged the building. Secretary Blaine act
cd as master of ceremonies, and Hon. JOS r.
Hawley introduced the people to the Pres dent
The reception lasted about half an hour, and
there were hundreds of people in line when
the President left the building. The first to be
present were Governor Long and Staff of Mas
sachusetts, who were followed by Governor
Cornell and Staff of New York, the Governor
of Michigan and staff and Governors of other
States.
Among those who were in the line and
shook hands with the President, was the wife
of ex-President Tyler.
All of the distinguished guests have gone to
their respective ships and the monument is
now deserted.
President Arthur visited the flagship Frank
lin this afternoon, and was saluted by the dill
ferent vessels in the harbor on his departure
and return.
The following order was read by Secretary
Blaine at the celebration to-day.
In recognition of the friendly relations SO
long and so happily subsistipg between Great
Britain and the United States, in trust and
confidence of peace and good will between the
two countries for all centuries to come, and
especially as mark of the profound respect
entertained by the American people for the
ilustrious sovereign and gracious lady who sits
upon the British throne, it is hereby ordered
that at the close of these ceremonies comment
oratiye of the valor and success of our fore
fathers ia their patriotic struggle for indepen-
deDce, the British flag shall be saluted by the
forces of the army and navy of the United
States, now at Yorktown. The Secretary of
War and the Secretary of the Navy will give
orders accordingly.
(Signed,) CHESTER A. ARrHUR,
JAMES G. BLAINE, President.
Secretary OF State.