The San Francisco call., 1897-07-15

her suscepubilities regarded on another, for
all this shows that among foreign nations
there is consciousness of her force and po-
litical i'm portance.
The stability of the republic demonstrated
by an experience of twenty three years, is
doubted by no one, any more than the wisdom
of the nation which has sufficiently proved
that If she remains mistress OF herself and
makes herself respected, she viii not give her
neighbors cause for ineuietude, nor be a brand
of trouble and discord in Europe.
When the applause that this stirring
GRAFTON had created subsided, Mile Julie
Cote was introduced and sang with much
dramatic effect "Salut a la France"
Laurence de Lalande, the French Con-
| sui, was the next speaker. Among other
things the Consul said:
Our national commemoration has become q
general fete, becsuse of all people being in
sympathy with our country.
| This is true in the different countries where
| have been, but particularly in the United
| States where we meet republicans of very
patriotic character themselves.
| am glad TO see here a number of Ameri can
| friends and people from many lands, and
especially thank Mayor Pnelan and Mr.. Sydney
| Smith for their participation in our ceIepra-
| ton.
Then came more music. a from bone
500, "PAlsace ct la Lorraine" by Alfred
Roncovieri, and Mayor Phelan followed,
speaking as follows:
| Ladies and gentlemen: San Francisco is one
OF the most cosmopolitan cities in the world
and from the very beginning its French popu.
| lation has been conspicuous in its develop
ment. Their love of the Republic, their en-.
/ thr,cjo forf tha III -
accomplishments have contributed to the up
building of the City and the strength of the
State. The character of California's soil and
climate, resembling France, makes them feel
At home, and has welded them with ties OF
love and affection to the Golden State.
| This is the French national holiday, and its
| Significance is in full accord with the princi.
pies that underlie the structure of the
Ame rican Government. America celebrates
the 4th of July; France, a few days later the
14th. The one following the other is more
than coincidence-it is a consequence. The
example of America in 1875 was closely fol.
| lowed by the French people in 1888 and the
success of freedoms cause in this country was
the inspiration of French patriotism which
overthrow that frowning emblem of despotic
rule-the BasIile. SO the Declaration of In
dependence was Independence for America
and France alike The two nations thus born
OF comm on cause celebrate common birth
day in this month of July. They are Free.
dom's children and are drawn together almost
unconsciously by frsternal bonds. Therefore
my fellow-ciIiZens, we are together to-day
The friendship Of the two countries, formed
in the infancy of national life. has been en-
during, and long may it endure.
When France presented the statue oil
Liberty to the United States, what form did
the acknowledgement take7 American citi-
zens forthwith set up in Paris statue to
Lafayette. For the fame of Lafayette, the
lover OF liberty, the pure patriot and generous
friend, is as dear to the American heart as to
the people of France. 1t is an Obligation OF
the two countries TO preserve his fame, and it
should be honorable and becoming in human.
ity itself. as in the case of Washington, TO as
scrt that no country can claim him, and that
he was a gift of Providence to the human
race. The part that ne played in establishing
the independence of America perhaps saved