New-York tribune., 1889-10-17
HONORING MR. EDISON.
A PLEASANT INCIDENT AT THE AMERICAN
LEGATION IN PARIS
THE DECORATION OF THE ORDER OF COM.
MANDER OF THE LEGION OF HONOR
THE GIFT OF THE FRENCH
GOVERNMENT.


Paris, Sept. oG-The Order OF a Commander OF tho
Legion of Honor, given to Mr. Edison by the Govern
ment OF France was sent him through the American
Legation, and IT CHANGED that few friends of whom
the present writer was oDc witnessed the presentation
Of it to the renowned inventor at the residence OF tho
American Minister No. IS Avenue Hoche. this even.
Ing. Many interesting incidents have Frightened and
diversified for me stay which has been all too brief
in the beautiful capital Of France but no incident
has touched me deeply this one. The spectacle
Of homage offered 10 genius az all times impressive,
but in this Instance IL the delightful informally
that gave the exceptional charm. The occasion was
that Of dinnerpaIty, assembled by the American
Minister in honor Of hls colleague in
the International Conference upon Weights and
Measures, Dr. Gould, OF Harvard University. Other
especially honorcd guests Mr. Charles A. Dana. Of
New York, and Judge John Davis, Of Washington and
the company included Mr.. Chief Justice Burmudez Of
Louisiana Judge Alexander b. Hagncr, General But
tericd, Colonel Richie, Mr.. Jeaucourt Galignani
Mr. Melv Dewey. State Librarian Of New York; Pro.
fcssor Davidson, Mr. James OTIS Mr. IIeber Il. Bishop
and Mr.. Nignaud, chief secretary OF the American
Legation. Judge Mclean came in after dinner, and
sti later Mr.. Edison attended by HIS secretary,
Mr. W. j. Hammer. As Mrs. Reid is travelling in
1 ain, with her father, there were unfortunately,
ladies present
The incident of the presentation 10 Mr..
Edison, since 70 had not been panno1 proved
equally fortunate accident and delightful surprise
All who have the good fortune know Mr. Edison
aware Of the gracious modesty Of his disposition and
the gcntlencss and simplicity Of his manners. ThOs
fine qualities of genuine manlIness and worth never
displayed themselves cOnspcuOusly than they did
in tho moment when the great inventor. taken com.
pletcly by surprise, suddenly found himself addressed
by the American Minister and invited to accept the
Cross Of the Legion Of Honor from the President of the
Republic Of France. Every man in the company GER
tainly felt moved by deep enthusiasm, and when MI
Reid delivered to Mr.. Edison the official diploma ana
letter and hung the ribbon about his neck, this iee
Ing found expression in OF the most fervent ap-
plause that ever uttered. Mr.. Edison was deeply
touched lie blushcl like a girl, and, after looking
at rs for moment in pleased confusion he sald very
simpIy: never IN the world can wear IT, man
of such fine and such beneicent genius needs no
decorations: but he deserves them all.
II Is not need:ul for any one to tell your readers
how brilliant Parts Is at this time, though this Is
not the fashionable time Of year; neither do they
need descant on the marves and splendors OF the fx
rositon-surey the most prodigous and wonderful dis
play that ever yet been made Of the industrial arts
and products of civilization. My sole thought In THIS
brief communication IS record for YOU while it IL
vet recent and fresh an incident that must profoundly
crafty every American who truly loves ana hohors
what IS best worthy of esteem in American character
a ,obte,er,ept W. W.