The herald., 1895-06-28
Cannot Participate in the Fourth
OF July Parade
WITHOUT THE FRENCH FLAG
The Latter and Old Glory Side by Side
Oh BattIefieids
pathetic But Dlgnified Reply by the
Chairman of the Committee

The Fourth of July executive committee
has sent out invitations TO various socie-
ties to participate in the parade which
will take place on next Thursday. Among
them was one addressed to the Legicn
Francaise. 1t is unnecessary to publish
a copy OF it, for it does not differ materi-
ally from the many dozens that have
been extended to other organizations.
Following is copy OF the answer OF
the Legion Franchise;
To the Chairman amt the Gen tlemen OF
the Committee of the Fourth of Ju,y:
Gentemen--lt is with the deepest re
gret that we feel obliged to decline your
kind invitation to participate in the pa
raue on the Fourth of July next. We
would not think of turning out any
where, under any circumstances, without
Ola Glory, the flag. OF our adopted
country. But we owe to ourselves and to
the French flag that earned the distlnc-
tion of being carried side by side with
the noble American tlag.througn so many
bloody battle fields, to .protest against it
being denied the place to whichsit is en-
titled by right and justice, on the very
day set for the commemoration OF the
glorious deeds OF which it can clai m a
share.
The thousands of French soldiers who
laid down their lives and Shed their blood
so that America would be free. would
turn in their graves in seeing their de-
generated sons countenancing, by their
presence, the reputation of this noble
standard.
We would say still more, othat as true
and loyal American citizens, ready at any
time to stand by the oath of allegiance
that,.w haveItaken to America and to
shed our blood in the defense of Old
Glory, we feel that our sentiments as ex
has in hn ny, ,hp1d NV no
Father of our Country, George Wash ing
ton. and his soldiers oe illustrious fame,
if they were alive, and we honestly De-
iieve that we also reflect the sentiments
Of every true blue blood American who
feels in his veins the blood of the heroes
of the revolutionary war.
In France every year. on the 4th and
the 14th OF July, the 10000 Americans
that are there carry triumphantly the
American flag through the streets side by
side with the French tri-color. The two
flags, united by an everlasting friend ship,
are hailed and acclaimed with delight
everywhere. Just as it should be. Why
the French flag should. without any reason
whatever, be considered rebellious en-
blem anu treated with humiliation and
dsdain here, when the American flag is
SO respected and honored in france, IS
something beyond our mprehension..
Drafted in accordance with the resolu-
by the Legion Francaise at its last meet
ing, and signed by US accordingly.
(Signed)
GEORGE lie MESNAGER, President.
Il. A. DE CAILHOL. Vice-President.
J.. II. BlLAUDE, Capitaine.
The above.letter was answered under date
of June 22l by Capt. &. E. Overton, chair
man of the committee on invitations, in
the following words:
George le Mesnaeor President; l.. II.
Bilauda. Captain; l.. a. de Cailhol.
Vice President, and +. Imbert. Secre-
tary:
Gentlemen Your Joint communication
OF the 18th inst has been laid before the
executive committee of the Fourth of
July celebration and has been by it cale-
fully and respectfully considered. Under
the instructions of the executive commit
tee have the honor to say to you as fol-
lows:
1It would be impossible. probably, to as
semble any body of Americans who
would severally and Individually possess
a greater respect for the French national
flag than is possessed by the executive