The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-09-23
FOR A LAFAYETTE DAY"
a Monument to Be Erected to
Americas First Defender.
IN PARIS ON 4TH OF JULY
school Children OF the Country Invited
to Lend a Hand-President McKin.
ley Indorses the Plan-Some
Communications.

Washington, Sept. 22.-The following
is the presidents letter in reply to a
letter from Alexander II. Revell. vice
president of the Lafayette memorial
committee:
Washington, Sept. 17.-My Dear Sir:
Your letter written in behalf of the
Lafayette memorial committee has
greatly interested me and have read
with much satisfaction the plans al
ready outlined for the proposed monu-
ment to the memory of a great soldier
and patriot. The undertaking is one in
which i am sure it will be considered
a privilege to participate, and the idea
mat the students in the schools, col
leges and universities shall take a
prominent part in this tribute will not
only De or vast educational value as to
one or the most important epochs in
history, but will keep prominently be-
fore them the inspiration Of a high ideal
OF devotion to great principles and to
the public recognition paid to the lofty
purposes.
General Lafayette was but a young
man when he espoused the cause of
liberty and independence, overcoming
wen nigh insurmountable obstacles to
40 SO. IL is altogether fitting, therefore.
that the youth of America should have
a part in this testimonial to his good
ness and greatness. | am glad TO note
that your commission has fixed q date
our people in every part of the
country may testify their interest in
TINS proposed and their de-
termination that the movement already
begun shall achieve the greatest sue
cess. Very sincerely yours.
WILLIAM MKINLEY.
To Hon. Alexander II. RevelI. vice
president Lafayette memorial associa-
ton, Chicago, H."
The following is Mr.. ReveITs letter.
Chicago, Sept. ITO the President:
On oehalf OF the Lafayette memorial
commission, recently formed by the
commissioner general TO the Paris ex-
position. we have the honor to advise
you that II is proposed TO signalize and
make conspicuous the part Of the
United States in the Paris exposition
by the erection i'm Paris. in the name
OF the youth of our land. of a monu-
ment 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 opportune and fitting occasion
now presents itself wherein the Ameri-
"S "Soi' ElA'N AAiNAt 6Idll-
tude and veneration for that
or Washington, whose remains now lie
humbly inferred in the Picius cemetery
or Paris, marked only by an unpre-
tentious granite stone. It is especially
desirable that the should be
a spontaneous Offering from the stu
dents and school children of America.
We believe that by thus directing their
thoughts to this patriotic and inspiring
period of our history. to which General
Lafayette so greatly contributed, it
will broaden their views of international
points and arouse their interest in the
great events Of the dawning century.
1T is proposed that the school off,
Gals of the United States be requested
to recognize Oct. 10 as Lafayette day.
in the schools and colleges-public and
parochial-of the land and a part of the
day may be devoted to exercises ap-
propriate to the OCCASION. and our chill
dren may on that day contribute their
mite to the memory of the first defender
of America. 1t is our wish that you
will, upon consideration of this sub
ject, give 1t such approval as you may
deem proper. Yours respectfully.
ALEXANDER II. RENELL.
Vice President Lafayette Memorial
Commission"