Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-10-13
A LAFAYETTE MEMORIAL.
Gov Grout Appoints Day For Honoring
His Memory

| His Memory.
The following proclamation dated at the
executive chamber October 5, and signed
/ BY Josiah Grout, governor has been is
sued
Twelve years ago our nation was the
grateful recipient from the republic Of
| France of a colossal and emblematic
statue of Liberty Enlightening the
World" whose impressive figure deco
rates the harbor of our greatest metro
polls and beacons all sca-going and land
coming people.
| An opportunity is now presented to rec
ognze this expression of frienly relations.
and accordingly, it Is recommended by
/ the President and Congress of the United
States, and by our Commissioner General
| to the Paris Exposition, Hon. Ferdinand
w Peck, that October 10, 1898, be observ-
cd in all public schools as La Fayette
day. and contributions be made by the
people and the schools for fitting and
lasting testimonial of our national esteem.
| Few names in history are dearer to the
American people than that of Lafayette.
Therefore that his services to the col
onies, whose cause he so warmly eSpous-
cd, may be worthily recognized, and that
we who to-day enjoy the priceless bless
ings that came to us through the revo-
lutiorary struggles, may show our APP
probation of this true friend at that time,
/ heartily endorse the recommendation
| given, and advise that all the children in
our public schools and students in our
academies and colleges contribute as each
! can consistently, to IL worthy and patro-
| tic objcct-.the erection of d monument
which is to be unveiled In Paris on uni
! ted States Day, July L. 1900, and which
| shall stand as II witness to the memory of
/ this noble patriot.
TO carry into effect this purpose, here
I by appoint Wednesday, Oct 10, 1898. as
/ Lafayette day" and enjoin all teachers
and ,ttNifG In, oil cob In ha tn
to observe the day with appropriate and
/. patriotic exercises and to contribute ac-
cordng as each has desire and ability
Also, I appoint State Treasurer John l..
Bacon to be treasurer of these contribu-
tons and state Superintendent Mason s.
Stone to present the appeal to the teach
ers and pupils of the public schools.
JOSIAH CIRCUIT.
STATE SUPERINTENDENT TO TEA
CHEERS.
TO the Teachers of Vermont:
From that great colonial revolution
which eliminated at Yorktown, October
~, 1881, there was born the last great ma
ton of the earth, whose cardinal princi-
pies were engrossed in the Declaration Of
Independence.
In this struggle, France championed our
cause, encouraged our efforts, and APP
plauded our successes. But more than all
this, France gave to us LaFayette-hm
whose name Is inscparably linked with
that of Washington, whose loyalty to his
/ chief never swerved, whose faith In the
triumph of American principles was never
tmid. whose devotion to the American
cause was unalloyed. and whose love for
the American people was strong and UNI
waning.
In an obscure corner of a secluded Gene
terry in Paris an unpretcntious stone
marks tho grave of this great patriot,
hap Of hA MI risan
cause.
In recognition of his high services and
as tribute 10 his memory. it is purposed
to unveil In Paris on United States Day.
at the time of the exposition in 1890 Il
fitting monument, which shall also stand
rs an expression of our national esteem
for and friendly relations with the repub-
lie of France.
In order that this may be a veritablc
eff from the people, our national govern
ment through the cooperation of the
, State governments, has arranged that the
, children IN the public schools may have
part in this cOmmendable enterprise, and
oct -, 1875, is set apart as Lafayette
= Day"
This day Is also fixed upon by the ma
tional peace jubilee committee to be OBJ
served as IL day of gratitude for the cess
, sation of hostilities and the restora ton
of peace.
Therefore, on this day you arc request
, ed to have simple but fitting exercises
commemorative of the day and suggestive
of the purpose of its observance, the pre-
, p2raton for which will not seriously in
: terfere with regular school work.
Also Oh this day, you are requested 10
receive from the hands OF your pupils
/, whatever gratuitous contributions the y
r wish to make toward the fund in ques'
I ton, and to stimulate In them, so far
$ as possible patriotic impulses in the CIV
Q ing.
S These contributions you will forward &c
e your town superintendent. at your earliest
y convenience, who will send the same tC
Hon. John l.. Bacon. State treasurer
White River Junction, Vermont, and each
town will be properly accredited.
In this way the school children OF Yer.
mont will join those of the other States
. In worthy object and contribute towards
> a lasting and material evidence of our ap
: probation of the services of one of the
= worlds grandest noblemen and creates
, heroes. Sincerely yours
MASON S. STONE,
State Superintendent of Education
= Montpelier. Oct. g. 1895