Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1886-10-28

of all nations, i'll which the trl-color of la
belle France We'd for supremacy with the
stars and stripes. The delegates appeared
upon the stage at $50 They were escorted
by NJ. Lafon, president Of the Circle de
Harmonic and chairman of the reception
committee. The seat of honor WIS given to
NJ. de IIesseps With the French delegates
were the members of the American commit
tee, headed by Senator William NJ Evarts.
NJ. Coudert made the opening speech, intro
ducing Senator Evarts.
NJ Coudert said that the occasion was
unique in the history of nations 1t is a rare
thing to have an international festival which
does not tell of triumphs written in blood
and of dearly bought victories This occasion
recalled the struggle which closed at York
town and in which the French gained moth
ing but honor. The Inauguration of the
statue of Liberty was another chapter III the
common history of the two nations. a cen.
fury of trials of progress had elapsed. The
thirteen colonies had become "A powerful
nation. The speaker alluded to the reverSes
France sustained in the Franco PrIssian war,
and said that France had recovered her posi-
ton, though at the expense of a province.
The artist who designed the statue was from
Alsace, and the goddess comes from Colmar.
He forgot his grief at his countrY's loss. and
gave to the land OF the free the work of his
life
Mr. Evarts addressed the audience in Eng.
liSh- He reviewed briefly the history of thu
presentat ton Of the statue by France to the
American nation and the work of the pedes
tai committee in erecting the statue. He
spoke warmly of the cordial relations exist
ing between the two nations. and expressed
the hope that the friendship might continue
as long as the colossus should hold aloft the
emblematic torch of liberty His address
was received with much enthusiasm
NJ. Nilliers responded on behalf of the dele
CATION, in French. He proved to be an ora.
tor of considerable ability His fervid and
impassioned language raised the audience,
to pitch of wild enthusiasm In reply to
Mr.. Evart's friendly wish. NJ. Nilliers saiG
that time might destroy the work of NJ.
Bartholdi, but eternity itself could not efface
the cordial feelings that exist among tho
French people for the American nation.
After the speeches by the orators of the
evening there were loud calls fer NJ de Les
seTs. The bale old man Of - came forward
to the footlightS and SAID few words IL
French, in which he thanked the people foI
the hearty welcome. The entire audience
stood up and cheered wildly and the "rche~-
ira played La Marsellaise"
At the close of these ceremonies the dele
gates We're escorted to the boxes reserved for
their use, and concert followed, in which
Mime. Fursch Madi. Nine Trebelh, Divide
Musin and others took part. In the box
with NJ. de Lesseps was his little daughter,
Totote. who shared the attention Of the audl.
ence with her distinguished father.
"Wednesday Mayor Grace presented NJ
Bartholdi and the delegates to the president
of the board of aldermen IN the chamber OF
the board, which was beautifully decorated
with flags and emblemS. The mayor made 8
short address of welcome in behalf of the
Common council Of New York, and alluded
to the prominent part France had i'll estab-
fishing our liberty The clerk then read the
resolutions granting the freedom Of the city
to the French guests, and NJ BaItholdl an
swcred the mayor