The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-23
MONUMENT FOR LAFAYETTE.
The Presidents Reply to a Letter Ask-
ing His Approval.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22.-The following
is the Presidents reply. under date of Sept.
II, to a letter from Mr.. Alex. II. Revelle,
vice president of the Lafayette memorial
commission:
MY Dear Sir-Ycur letter written in be-
half of the Lafayette memorial commits
sion, has, greatly interested me- and have
read with much satisfaction the plans all
ready outlined for the proposed monument
to the memory of a great soldier and pa
am sure 1t will be considered privilege to
participate, and the idea that the students
in the schools. colleges and universities
shall take a prominent part in this tribute
will not only be of vast educational value
as to one of the most important epochs in
history. but will keep prominently before
votion TO great principles and of the public
recognition paid to lofty purposes
General Lafayette was but young man
when he espoused the cause of liberty and
independence overcoming well-nigh insur-
mountable obstacles to do so. 1T Is alto
gether fitting, therefore, that the youth of
America should have a part in this testi-
monial to his goodness and greatness. EN-
glad to note that your committee has fixed
country may testify their interest in this
proposed monument and their determina-
ton. that the movement already begun
shall achieve the greatest success"
Following is Mr.. Revelle's letter, which Is
dated Chicago. Sept. Z:
ITO the President-On behalf of the La
fayette memorial commission recently
formed by the commissioner general to the
Paris exposition, we have the honor TO adj
wise you that il is proposed TO signalize and
make conspicuous the participation of the
United States in the Paris exposition by the
erection in Paris in the name of the youth
of our land a monument to the early friend
of our liberties. General Lafayette. the
same to be unveiled and dedicated July 4,
United States day. at the exposition. 1T is
believed by the~commission that an oDDor-
tune and fitting occasion now presents it
self wherein the American pc ople may again
show their gratitude and veneration for
that compatriot of Washington, whose re-
mains now lie humby Inferred in the Pic
pus Cemetery OF Paris, marked only by an
unpretentious granite slab.
1T Is especially desirable that the monu-
ment should be a spcr taneous offering from
lea. We believe that by thus directing
their thoughts to this patriotic and insDir-
ing period of our history, to which General
Lafeyetet so greatly contributed, ii viii
broaden their views to international POINTS
and arouse their interest In the great events
OF the dawnlng century.
''It Is proposed that the school officials
of the United States be requested to rccog-
nize Oct. 10 as Lafayette day in the schools
land. when a portion of the day may be de-
voted to exercises appropriate to the occa-
sion. the story of our struggle for liberty
told anew TO our children, and they may on
that day contribute their help AMI mite in
memory of the knight Of liberty and first
defender OF America. II Is our wish that
you WILL on consideration Of this subject.
give Il such approval as you may deem
proper.