Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1898-10-07
"LA FAYETTE DAY
Governor Otero's Proclamation Wednes-
day, October 10, Set Aside As a Holt
day to Be Properly Observed.

To the school youth of New Mexico: A
special commission has been formed I'M
der the direction of the commissioners
general for the United States to the
Paris exposition for the purpose of Sc
curing, by popular contributions,
through the agency of the schools of
America, funds to erect a suitable me-
mortal to Marquis de La Fayette. whose
remains now lie In a practically un-
marked grave in an obscure cemetery OF
Paris, France.
1t Is proposed that the monument be
built in time for unwilling n dedica-
ton on the 4th day of July, 1900, United
States day at the Paris exposition, thus
making the day a most conspicuous and
| historic one, both for America and
France.
President Mckinley. in a letter to the
| commission, says: The undertaking Is
one which l am sur will be considered
a privilege to participate, and the idea
| that the students in the schools, col
leges and universities shall take Il
prominent part in this tribute, will NOT
only be of vast educational value as n
of the most important epochs In history,
but will keep prominently before them
the inspiration of a high ideal, Of devo-
ton to great principles and Of the public
| tCCt6lilllOl paul W ioIty PoIp ooNS.
General La Fayette was but a young
man when he espoused the cause of lib
erty and independence, overcoming well
nigh insurmountable obstacles to do so.
1t is altogether fitting, therefore, that
| the youth of America should have a part
in this testimonial to his goodness and
greatness.
az am glad to note that your committee
has fixed a date when u people, in ev-
cry part Of the country, may testify
their interest in this proposed monu-
ment, and their determination hat the
movement already begun shall achieve
the greatest success"
The idea of erecting a monument as d
tribute Of this great nation over the
grave of General La Fayette, has been
sanctioned and Endorsed by congress
sional action and prominent men
through the country.
1t has been decided by the commission
that Wednesday, October 10, 1895, the
anniversary of the fall of Yorktown, be
designated throughout the United States
as l. Fayette day." upon which the
school children of our country shall as
semble for the purpose of learning Of
the life and character of General La
Fayette and his distinguished services
to our country; and also to make contri-
. ~ iiAchANy Tvs WV AAUy w G~ASt
toward the proposed monument to his
memory.
Feeling confident hat the school
youth of New Mexico will feel gratified
and honored at being invited to take
in this patriotic movement, and con-
tribute such funds to procure such me-
mortal to the great and noble soldier
whose patriotic services to this u
try in the days Of its weakness and sore
trial, is a bright and shining example
of disinterested patriotism and duty to
the youth Of this nation.
Now, therefore, l. Miguel A. Otero,
governor of the territory Of New Mex
leo, do recommend to the school youth Of
New Mexico, o their teachers and to the
different school superintendent, that on
Wednesday, the 10Th day Of October, A.
d. 1898, every person Of school age with
in the territory contribute what he can
afford to give toward the erection of the
monument to General La Fayette; and
| recommend that the Hon. William e.
iChilders, president Of the University Of
New Mexico, at Albuquerque, take this
matter In charge and make such organ-
izations as may be necessary, and re-
ceive and receipt for contributions,
which are finally to be RENTED to Hon.
Chas G. Dawes, comptroller Of the cur-
rency and treasurer of the monument
committee at Washington. D. c.; and I
further proclaim Wednesday, October1 10,
1898, to be a holiday in all the public
schools and institutions Of the territory
Of New Mexico, to be devoted by the
teachers in charge to suitable exercises
and instruction concerning the life, la
bors and lessons taught by the career Of
General La Fayette, and to the receiv-
ing of the contributions which may be
given by the youth Of our territory.
In testimony whereof, / have hereun-
to subscribed my name and caused the
great seal of the territory Of New Mex
leo to be affixed at Santa Fe on this the
4th day Of October, in this the year Of
our Lord eighteen hundred and ninety
eight, and in the one hundred and TWEEN
ty-third year of the independence of the
United States of America.
BY the governor.
MIGUEL A. OTERO,
Governor Of the Territory of New Mex
leo
GEORGE II. WALLACE,
Secretary Of New Mexico.