St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-05-31
American Citizens Decorate
the Tomb of Marquis de
Lafayette.
Wreaths Represent the Re-
public's Gratitude to a
Noble Ally.
The Tomb Completely Gov
cred by the Beautiful
Floral Offerings.
Several American Flags Float
Over the EXtraordi-
nary Scene.

PARIS. May 3O.-About 500 persons,
largely Americans, were present today
at the decoration of the tomb of the
Marquis de Lafayette. in honor of his
services to the cause of American indie
pendence. The remains of the Marquis
de Lafayette are inferred in the GENE :
tary Of Picpus, at Vincennes, which
contains the tombs of some of the oldest
families in France, and also the
graves of 1900 victims of the Reign
of Terror. Members of the Lafay-
cite family arrived at the cemetery
in landaus sent by Col. Adams, rep
resenting Lafayette post, of the G. A.
K. of New York. These, with the
American embassy and staff, and others
who came to take part in the ceremony,
first signed their names in book, in
tended as memento for Lafayette post.
and then formed In procession and
marched with uncovered heads to the
tomb of Lafayette. AS Col. Adams
placed wreathS and caSketS of dark blue
pansies on the tomb, he said:
1--WE are gathered here in tribute to
the memory of a man who offered his
life in service of American independ-
ence. AT this hour on the other side OF
the Atlantic millions Of sympathetic
citizens are placing laurels on the tomb
of those VINO gave their lives for their
country. These wreathS represent the
gratitude OF grand and free republic
to Lafayette. whose quick eye caught
the first possibilities Of American indie
pendnce. America, remembering the aid
given to American people by Lafayette
when they were without friends or
funds, tenders through Lafayette post
the expression OF her gratitude"
Here Col. Adams paused, while the
visitors heaped wreaths upon the tomb
until IL was covered by the flowery
offerings.
Several American Flags
floated over the scene, but there were
no French ensigns. The absence of
French emblems heightened the special
character of the American tribute. Hon.
James B. Eustis, American ambassador,
who was present, made an emotional
speech, in which he referred to the
sacri fees of Lafayette in behalf of a
people to whom he was an entire
stranger.
Lafayette" said Mr.. Eustis, "was
animated by higher sentiment even
than patriotism. He drew his sword for
the broad principles to which he had
consecrated his life. His name became
household word in the United States,
where his example ought to be held up
to our children. His memory awakens
in the breast of every American emo
tions of grateful admiration"
In conclusion Mr.. Eustis said:
ITO those who today in America are
paying tribute TO the honored dead
would say that share their grief. We
are equally proud of American citizen
ship, of the greatness of the republic,
and of the high position which the re-
public holds In the family of nations"
Francois de Courcelle, great grandson
of the Marquis de Lafayette, made reply
in behalf of the family. He referred to
the fidelity with which America honored
the memory of his great ancestor, and
he added that the best expression of
thanks in behalf of the family was
found in Lafay cites own words when
bidding farewell to President Adams in
September, 1925. Among the visitors
present on the occasion besides those
already named were Mr.. Eustis, brother
of the American ambassador; Gen. and
Ers. Foster, Mrs. and Miss Harlan, wife
and daughter of Justice Harlan; Mrs.
John Il. Morgan, wife of Senator Nor
gan; Mrs. E. j. Phelps and William
Seligman.