The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1883-01-07

GENTLEMEN: l regret not being able TO express
myself In English, yet cannot let pass the occasion
which offers itself TO TO thank You for the Kind
welcome you have given me- In addressing myself 10
YOU take the opportunity 10 express my gratitude to
the officers of the Federal Army, who during the
journey which have Just undertaken across your
great and beautiful country have rendered me the
most cordial and generous hospitality.
have recognized with pleasure In their kind atten-
ops the friendship, already proven by the examples
which history gives us, OF the Americans for my com
patriots. Believe, gentlemen, that II yon remember
that the blood OF Frenchmen shed on the battle fields
of Yorktown and OF Saratoga contributed To the
achievement of the Independence of the United states
and 10 the foundation OF the great American Republic
French, from the other side of the Atlantic, watch
with interest the progress OF Your country IN every
direction, and that we see with Joy success crOwng
the grand enterprises you every day attempt.
You have desired to drink to France; If you will,
gentlemen, will drink TO America and like soldiers
we will drink TO those Of all nations, who, swcld III
hand, have sustained the glory of their country.
The Count spoke in his native tongue, and,
although the majority of those present were moi
sufficiently cOnverslnt with the French language Il
follow the speaker closely, enough was understood IL
convey the hearers the meaning of the terse SEN
tences which fell from the mpassioned lips Of ;ht
young soldier in the clear ringing tones which none
but a FreuChman give. The scene was an in'
teusely dramatic Around the tables We're gath
cred Senators and Representatives, eEsodiers of vol
unteers, officers Of the Army and Navy, lawyers,
journalists, and erateurs while In the centre OF the
/ group stood the young Frenchman, waving hi
/ glass and raising the enthusiasm OF his audience Il
the highest pitch by vivid manner and fiery eOquence
In responding for the Kingdom of Sweden, Mr.. d
Bildt made the following graceful and appropriat
remarks, which were delivered in an easy, polished
and most impressive manner.
II Is with certain dfidcnce rise, well knowing a
what disadvantages a stranger speaks in languag
not his own, especially in This country, every son
which Is born orator NeVertheles', wish TO eN
press the great pleasure 1t affords me- TO be present
meeting of this association, In which feel par
tcular Interest, its very existence is refutatio
of a allacy, which | have often heard asserted ye
always found unwarranted, VIZ: thar a nllitar
order of chiyalry is not compatible with tile spirit
| republican institutions. Now, chivaiTy, | take IL
means manliness, courage, and unselhsh devotion I
duty and country and Of the fact that these qualie
are abuudantly found under the Stars and stripes q
this Republic you gentlemen here present are TIA
proof An order, again, Is but another name Tor a
association, and II the qualities which constitute ira
chiyary are desirable IN every single individual Is
not then eminentY proper TO see them ioslered by al
association the aim of which is to perpetuate III
memory Of great deeds Of the past and to ncite
their emulation in the future. Thus, at least, though
, your fOrefathers when they founded the CinCinua
Society after establishing the Republic, which yO
men Of the Loyal Legion have done much To pre-
serve and 10 llft into greatness.
II has often been said that Americans are fond
the word great. Well gentlemen, well you may. tn
war yOu waged 10 successful end has marked
period OF transition ia the history OF the Unite
states, transition from the rank Of tile smaller M
tons to the proud position OF one OF the great power
( mendOus military strength lay dormant undt
the quiet surface of the industrial activity Of tn
country, which we now, since the last census, knO
10 possess nifty millions OF Inhabitants and we-ng
unIneasurable sources Of wealth. And when the III
OF patriotism, energy, and courage burns In III
bosom OF nifty millions, this means power; and VIII
: Is there greater than pOwerr
Yes, forget; there Is something greater yet Tbs
pOweT-justice! And perhaps the true secret OF Il
prosperity and the greatness Of this country Is that
has been the proud aim OF America To realize Instic
= Justice to the high aud the low, the rich and I
poor, 10 men OF all creeds, natonaltles, aud rare
= And, gentlemen, am mistaken II say that nOth
enhances your pride In the recollection Of 20
, glorious struggle than the consciousness that
your victorious banners were inscribed not only 81
= cess, but also justice.
9 The spontaneous and hearty applause which 4
e lowed showed how thoroughly the representatives
y our young nation appreciated the brilliant uibu
- paid toit by these young representatives, Of two
the oldest nations Of Continental Europe.