The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-04-08
THE NEWS MAIL BAG.
Rochambeau Week.
To THE EDITOR OF The NEWS:


SIR-In "the times that tried mems
souls" we had here in Rhode Island
Count De Rochambeau, the representa-
tive of the French king, who. because he
had the wisdom to recognize in Washing
ton his superior in authority as in abil-
ity, and cordially seconded his tactics,
was at once an able and intrepid leader
In the cause of liberty and equality.
Perhaps no adult OF Providence during
this memorable week, SO creditable to
the intelligence, spirit and patriotism of
tion, is ignorant that the Count was q
real parsonage and the object OF popular
gratitude for service rendered.
Those who do not know the history OF
his service here and at Yorktown will lind
Stones memorials of the French In
Rhode Island" very agreeable reading.
How did our government treat this
gallant aristocrat who fought for the
Republican principles against monarchicai
prerogativesf
He not only risked honor and life in
the revolution, but expended his money
quite freely.
In 1s4O at Washington the writer met
the representative OF the Rocbambeaus
under very interesting circumstances. A
Keutuckian at that time, he was present
al an assem- biage Of the Kentucky repre-
sentatives of the House, including also
John j. Crittenden OF the Senate. Count DE
Rocham beau was introduced, who ad dress
ed Mr.. Crittenden, chairman OF the senate
committee, and asked what chance there
was for the Rochambeau relief bill. The
Senator replied that the bill had passed
the House, but reached the Senate COM
mittee too late for present action. The
Count much chagrined, exclaimed, "lt
is in one dam bad situation!"
He was greeted with general roar OF
louuhtar In which he heqrtilV lOiued.
though ignorant OF its cause.
To the writer's enquiry as to the situa-
tion of his French spoliation claim OF
s75, 600 incurred previous to this CEN
tury, the reply was, ''worse than Roch-
ambeau's past redemption" Menifee
instantly rejoined.
"Couldn't get a bill bold, / suppose.
The reply came ss swiftly, "If It could
be done IL would get but feather"
s'Well, sir, wits a feather. and q
chiefs span, an honest governments
the noblest work OF mar"
Another shout of laughter, and the
flow OF wit and humor that ensued was
indescribably kept mp, while the Count
looked on In astonishment. The Ken
lucky delegation at that time was COM
posed of brilliant men and noble gentle
men, all Wings.
II costs something to be PaIs patriotic. S.tS, but
docent.n 1--WE learn by what we suffer-
The brilliant display OF the danes OF
Rhode Island now in progress In com
memoral ion OF Auld Lang Syne is mostly
OF the land OF Roger Williams.
John whipple once exclaimed In the
peroration of speech, RHODE lslano Is
unable to "wreak his thoughts upon ex-
preston" The applause was terrific.
We are tempted to knock at the door OF
the past, and contrast personages with
those OF the present time.
Those who disregard the lessons OF the
past, live too much In the present. we
care but little for the past; labor but Int
tle-with careless persistence-to acquire
an accurate knowledge OF 1t.
There was once Washington,,br what
leader with experience. ability and cour.
age has been known to serve liberty ana
his country for SUCH compensation as the
mere payment OF his necessary expensesT
There was once an Alexander Hamilton,
sound and capable financier. What have
we today? weak and dawdling Secre-
tary OF the Treasury, who, In times OF
great monetary perplexity, substitutes
borrowing for tax levies or tartnj mil
lions in arrears monthly swelling IN
amount, and no forethought for inovit-
able government expenses OF tho future,
not even the suggestion OF q remedy
Meanwhile the free Hilver radicals I'M
apine they are masters OF the situation
the financial follies OF the administration
are so manifest and EN- mbarrassing.
We had Jefferson once, who recon-
mend n tariff! lie 10 now proclaimed by a
great party as q f'tting hgure-head for
free tradei
We had Clay, once the peerless orator,
who "would ratnef be right than be Pres
ident."
A Webster, once the renowned pleader,
and defender of the Constitution.
Have we their peers todayf
Old Warwick. s. 4 b