Omaha daily bee., 1898-10-05
MONUMENT FOR LAFAYETTE
Iowa Schools Will Join in the Great National
Enterprise.
OFFICIAL SANCTION HAS BEEN GIVEN
Governor shaw and state supcrin-
tendent barrett Heartily Endorse
Plan and Recommend Hearty
Cooperation by Teachers.

Wednesday, October 49, will be observed
in the public schools of Council Bluffs, the
same as it viii be in the schools through
out the United States, as Lafayette day,
and appropriate exercises will be held in
every classroom in the city on that day.
Hon. Richard G. Barrett, state superin-
tendent of public instruction, has issued a
leaflet regarding the observance of the
day, copies OF which were received here
yesterday by Superintendent Hayden of the
city schools. Prefacing the leafiet is the
letter of Governor Shaw to Superintendent
Barrett and the latter's letter to the teach
ers OF Iowa. They are as follows:
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Sept 2s--
Hon. Richard G. Barrett Superintendent of
Public instruction: My Dear Sir-The project
on erecting monument in the capital of the
french republic in honor of General Lafay-
ette. with funds furnished by the American
people, contemplates tribute too long de-
layed, to the memory of one Of tie heroic
characters OF the race. Il Is also a happy
Thought that the monument be unveiled on
United States day at the coming Paris ex
position, July a. 1900 Our country owes a
debt OF gratitude to this man, who, in his
youth. surrendered a life of ease in order
that he might help establish the freedom of
America. Coming when he did in the darkest
hour OF the revolution. ais appearance was a
ray or light In the gloom, greatly cheering
the hearts Of the patriots in that struggle
Every patriot of today-old and young-may
well consider II privilege to bear a part in
rearing the proposed monument.
1t Is. moreover, commendable suggestion
that the 18th day of October next, the ar
niversary of the surrender at Yorktown to
the combined armies of America and France
be observed as Lafayette day.
would suggest that on the day named
there be addresses or other exercises in the
school throughout the state suitable to the
occasion. and such as shall recall the virtues
and the worth of the noble Frenchman who
held 1t the highest honor to be esteemed the
friend of Washington. Very truly yours,
l.. NJ. SHAW.
DES MONIES. Oct. Ito the Teachers Of
Iowa: 1t Is proposed to erect a monument
in Paris and dedicate the day July A. 1900 tc
the memory of General Lafayette, the early
friend and defender of our country. The
Lafayette Memorial commission, of which
our own Hon. William B. Allison is a mem.
| ber, has designated October 10 as Lafayette
day On this day 1t is hoped to secure
ample funds to build tho monument Citi.
zens and students in universities and col
| leges, acadamies and seminaries public and
| parochial schools are accorded the privilege
! Of giving. All funds collects are to be for.
warded direct to Hon. Charles G. Dawes
comptroller Of the currency, Washington
| d. c.. and at the same time notice of thC
amount forwarded sent to Robert j. Thomp.
| son, Chicago, secretary of the commission
The proper observance of the day will de
| much to arouse in the youth Of our state
| still greater patriotism. The story of OIL
struggle for liberty will again have atten.
tive listeners. The biographies of Lafayett,
and Washington will be read anew will
pleasure. The whole movement right,
conducted. will Rave tendency to inspire
! and encourage the youth OF the land. while
personally in hearty accord with the move
ment and considering it most pralseworthy
| teachers will please remember that the De
partment of Public Instruction has nothins
to do with the funds and cannot receiv,
| them. RICHARD c. BARRETT.
Superintendent of Public Instruction