Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-10-19
Our Foreign Guests.

The French and German guests invited by the
nation to participate in the celebration OF the
centenary Of Corvallis surrender at Yorktown
represent the military and naval power OF the
French republic and also the La Fayettes, the
Rochambeaus, the Steubens and other foreign
friends and allies Of the rebellious and revolution
airy colonists who participated in that last brilliant
military triumph of the American revolution
Since their arrival in this country, (the French
October 4th, and the Germans the 18TH these
guests have been the recipients Of American hospi-
talities and the French have visited West Point
and Niagara.
The guests OF each nationality were formally
received by the government in Washington on
Friday. The city, which had so recently stood
hushed and fearful by the bier Of the dead presi-
dent and had been shrouded in deepest mourn
ing, illustrated in striking manner how change
full are the scenes of lfe how quickly we rise
from the depths of sorrow and mourning to
scenes Of festvity and rejoicing The city put
on its most cheerful aspect, and the colors Of
France and Germany waved throughout the city
in the bright sunlight in triple association with
the stars and stripes. In the diplomatic reception
room Of the state department each guest was for
mally presented to Mr.. Blaine and many compli-
mentary remarks were exchanged Subsequently
they were escorted from their hotel to the ro-
tunda Of the capitol There was fine military
parade in which several regiments OF colored
troops participated marching with the swinging
gait of veterans. The vast hall, one hundred feet
In diameter and one hundred and eighty feet in
height, ornamented with paintings and sculpture,
was still heavily draped in black in honor of the
last martyr president whose remains lay in state
here but few days since, where the mort tai re-
mains Of Lincoln and Sumner and Wilson had in
turn been visited by sad thousands The north
ern part Of the area was filled with gentlemen
and ladies who had been asked to witness the
welcome extended by the chief magistrate to the
representatives of our ancient allies Among
them were General Sherman wearing his snowy
gala uniform, score or more OF other military
and naval officers and civil dignitaries. The ma
tons guests entered from the eastern portico,
preceded by Secretary Blaine and the French
minister, and walking by twos, according to their
respective ranks The guests numbered nearly
forty, and the gay uniforms and flashing epau-
ettes worn by the greater portion of them, re-
lieved the sombreness OF the black suits OF their
civilian associates. The French army Off GERS gen.
orally wore red trousers, and their uniforms and
equipments were very handsome. The Germans
had more soldier-like appearance, as II they
meant business and not show.
The senators gradually returned to their desks
In the senate chamber, and found the galleries filled
with ladies, whose bright attire was equal to the
variegated hues Of bed of blooming tulips. The
nations guests, who had been accorded the prvi-
lege Of the floor, came in, escorted by Mr.. Blaine.
Senator Bayard rose and in an eloquent and
graceful speech alluded to the presence Of distin-
guished citizens of our sister republic Of France
and the empire Of Germany, who had come here
to join in celebrating the victory of Yorktown.
He spoke the sentiments Of the American senate
in saying that they are most welcome, and moved
recess Of half an hour that the senators might
individually pay their respects to them. The mo-
ton was carried amid loud applause, and then the
visitors were presented to President David Davis
and the senator's 1t is learned that both the
French and German guests are surprised and
overwhelmed by the official and popular welcome
given them. They had expected no such uni
versal testimony of national honor and respect
The fireworks shown in the evening in the lot
about the Washington monument were the finest
ever seen.
Meanwhile President Arthur had come over
from his temporary residence in Castle Butler,
and for the first time occupied the president
| room adjacent to the senate chamber. Secretary
Blaine went with him to where the French minis
ter stood. President Arthur was attred in full
suit of black, with black cravat and gloves. "He
is certainly" says Perey,' "the finest looking
president that we have had for some time, and
his department to-day was dignifed yet courte.
ous''
NJ Outray, the French minister, introduced the
president to the French guests and then the Ger.
man minister introduced him to the German
guests. NJ Outray made something Of a speech
to the president, who replied briefly. The presi
dent passed down the line, and each of the visi
tors was introduced to him in turn. While the
president was with the Germans General Sherman
| and the other army officers present were being
| introduced to the Frenchmen. Then came thu
naval officers, and afterwards the justices of the
| supreme court. The whole ceremony was very
pleasantly got through with in little while. Ii
was noticeable that there were not many who
| fingered in conversation with the guests. Per
haps the Circumstance that but one or two in the
whole party can speak the English language will
account for this.