Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1881-10-13
LETTER FROM GERMANY.
Presentation to Alfred Z. Lee the
Retiring q. S. Consul.
FRANKFoRT-ON-THE-MAIN,


On the 11th inst. the German ant
American friends of Alfred E. Lee, Esq.
the retiring Consul-General at this post
assembled in the Emperor's saloon of the
Grand Hotel in this city to formally
lceremonize the departure of that gentle
r man for America.
: Mr.. Henry Seligman. chief of thu
American banking firm of Seligman s
Stettheimer, of this city, and brother o.
the well known gentleman ]. s. W. Sci
3 ligman, bankers of New York City, coR
plimented the retiring Consul-Genera
with the warmest words of acknowl
edgement. He said that the recall Of
, that gentleman had been done in such 4
manner that it illustrated the system OF
appointments to Office yet re-gning in the
United States. Mr.. Lee had performed
r the duties of the Office here so faithfully
and devotedly, and had ingratiated him
self with all circles of society so salts
factorily that cause for the recall Of
this man in the way it had been done
who had besides, during the late war SC
faithfully served his country (having
served four years in active service, and
had never entirely recovered from Sc.
riOus wound received at the battle of
Gettysburg where he laid for two days
on the battle field must be sought for
in vain. The speaker expressed the wish
that Mr.. Lee might enjoy a prosperous
and happy life. and rs mark of the re-
spect of his friends in Frankfort he beg
ged him to accept the testimony of ac-
knowledgement now presented to him
Mr.. Lee, deeply moved, returned his
thanks for the high mark of honor that
had been shown him. In the course of
his reply he remarked that in the official
service Of the United States the con-
seriousness of having faithfully perform
ed ones duty was really about the only
reward of consequence. The four years
which he had spent in Frankfort were
among the pleasantest, as well as among
the busiest of his life. His countrymen
here had shown him so much
friendship that he was only sorry
not to be able to sufficiently show them
how thankful he was. At any rate he
was much more indebted to them for
their kindness than he could show them
in return. and as return of their favor
he could only offer them the poor re-
ward of his thankful remembrance. He
expressed a like feeling toward the good
people of Frankfort with whom he had
mingled, and that it would be impossible
to take with him better impressions than
he had received. In spite of the short
time he had had to extend his acquaint-
ance he had become attached 20 the Ger
man folk only less than to his own coun-
trymen. end that the beautiful city of
Frankfort had become second home to
him, of which he would ever think with
happy remembrance.
The speaking being now at an end
cloth was removed from the large GEN.
service, complete for twelve persons,
and surrounded by a wreath of red,
white and blue roses. The set was man.
ufactured by firm % this city which
was awarded the highest prize at the
Exposition now being held. and is in the
richest renascence STYLE The smaller
pieces were enclosed in an elegant case, |
and the larger ones bore the inscription 1
To ALFRED E. LEE,
Presented by his German and American |
Friends, Frankfort-on-the-M Main,
September. 1881.
Accompanying the service was a |
splendid album, bound in blue and gold |
velvet. and bearing the monogram, "A.
E. L." worked in massive gold. The al
bum contained the following address,
inscribed:
To AEFRED E. LEE,
Consul General of the United States of |
America,
DEAR SIR:-Your sudden and unex-
pected recall has caused your numerous
friends and acquaintances here great re-
gret. They feel that by your departure
they lose most excellent and valuable
citizen, and the United States Govern
ment a most able and faithful officer.
We can all bear witness that during
the time you held the Office rs United
States Consul-General y0H have well /
fulfilled le responsible duties devulying
upon you.
Your Office has been well conducted.
You have settled many difficult ques- \
lions arising during your term of Off ,e,
to general satisfaction; you have given
relief to many poor and distressed
Americans who thankfully looked upon
you as their protector.
For all these noble acts you deserve
the thanks of all well-meaning people.
Your numerous friends, appreciating
these services, have deemed it proper to
present you herewith IA small token of
their regard, and beg its acceptance.
Wishing you continued, prosperous
and happy life, We remain, with kind
Yours most respectfully,
This address was signed by a list of
fifty names comprising the wealthier
md most respectable firms and citizens
IF Frankfort.
The compliment thus shown the re-
lring Consul-General of the United
States is the first of the kind ever paid
% United States representative here,
md the citizens of Belmont county may
we'll be proud of the honor shown ma
i've or their county and a former fellow
'ltlzen. a banquet was to have been
'lven on this occasion but the condition
# President Garfield having become un-
avorable, it was abandoned, and i'm its ,
tead splendid lunch was spread.
A s. III. N
The Planets in October.
The aStr0nnmar IF he q