The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1896-02-07
Lafayette's Last Resting Place.
COL. JOHN FOX OF BURLINGTON
WRITES TO THE OPINION ABOUT IT.


One of the first questions an Ameri
can and especially Vermonter, asks
after arriving in Paris is: "Where is
the grave of Gen. LafayetteW And it
is surprising TO find SO few people in the
great French capital who can give any
information in regard to it, On visit
to Paris the past summer, | of course
wanted to see the last resting place of
the noble French General who during
the struggle of Americans for political
freedom, left his comfortable home in
France to come to America that he
might fight in the cause of the weak
but plucky Colonists against the
strongest nation of the civilized world.
In my desire to see the grave of La
fayette, naturally inquired first of
several Of his own countrymen, but
getting no satisfactory answer from
them, | went to the American Consul
who gave me the desired information
| hired cabman, gave him the instruc-
tions given me by the Consul, and af-
ter drive of about five miles from the
Aveneue De L'Opera, We stopped be-
fore great gate forming part of the
very high fence surrounding large
building which found after our admit
tance to the grounds, to be convent
known as the Convent of Continuous
Prayer" made known to the wo-'
man attending the gate the object of
my visit and she was very courteous
in receiving me. After calling another
attendant to look after the gate which
is kept locked and barred day and
night, being opened only certain hours
for visitors, she led the wav to the
grave On our way we passed back
of the convent and through the play
grounds aud gardens till we reached
another gate admitting us to small
yard containing few graves of French
men, supposed to be communists
and their families. Passing down
through the plain little yard and look
ing to the 1arthermost corner, my ewes
beheld a sight that gladdens the heart
of every true American, for there, un-
furled to the breeze, was small flag
being the stars and stripes of the
United States floating proudly over
all that is left of the great Lafayette.
The grave was beautifully and ap-
propriately decorated with flowers and
beautiful large wreath sent from
the Massachusetts, Order of the Sons
of the American Revolution had been
placed there on the 4th of July, few
days before my visit.
| had expected to find in the grounds
where Gen. LAFAYETTE was buriedaa
fine monument or memorial arch erect
ed to his honor, for supposed he was
l. in htu
country as in America. Imagine then
my surprise after seeing magnificent
buildings, pillars, arches and other
testimonials of love and respect which
the French people had'raised in honor
of Napolean and others, to find our
own beloved LAFAYETTE lying under a
plain mar BILE lab standing about eight.
cen inches high with the simple in
scription, "Lafayette-name forever
associated with Liberty on two con-
tinents."
In the same lot which is enclosed by
a small iron fence, are the graves of
his wife and three children one of
which bears the name "George Wash
ington Lafayette, showing the respect
held by his father for his old American
chief and our own beloved Washing
ton. JOHN K. Fox.
The Concert and Ball Tuesday even
ing was a splendid success. Blaisdell's
orchestra of Concord, nine accomplish.
ed musicians, gave an elegant concert
program of seven numbers which was
greatly enjoyed by a large company.
Nearly sixty couples took part in the
grand march. A fine supper was SER
we'd by the ladies in Odd Fellows Hall
at IL O'Clock, and dancing was kept up
until 2 a. m. The Rebekahs are to be
congratulated upon making enough
out OF the proceeds to nearly pay their
entire indebtedness.