The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1898-12-16

erecting a monument to the memory of
the French soldier in the city of Paris
as a twentieth century tribute from the
people of the United States. to be un-
yelled July 4. 1900, patriotic Americans
have responded literally to the com
missions appeal for funds; and it is
safe to assume that the proposed work
of art, which is to cost about $25O.o0o.
will be formally dedicated on the date
named, which will be United States
day at the Paris exposition. October
10, 1898, was observed in thousands of
American schools as LA Fayette day."
and many thousands of dollars were
then contributed by the youth of the
land toward the monument fund.
La Fayette's career was. leaving aside
all prejudices and political considera-
tons. an interesting one. Let us sum
it up briefly: Born at the Chateau dc
'Chavagnac, in Auvergne, September G..
1857, the scion of one of the oldest
houses of the French noblesse, he was
left an orphan at very early age. He
was educated at the College de Plessis,
Paris, and at the age of 16 married. and
entered the French army. Soon after
ward he became acquainted with Frank
lin, Deane and Lee, the Partisan agents
of the American revolutionists, inn
bibed their independent spirit and re-
solved to draw his sword for the strug-
Cling colonies. He accordingly fitted
out a vessel at Bordeaux, and narrowly
escaped arrest. sailed from a Span
ish port, accompanied by several
off q q.
nous Baron de Kalb.
On April Is. 1777, the marquis landed
at Charleston. S. c.. and. proceeding to
Philadelphia, where the congress was
then in session. made an offer to that
body to serve as q volunteer in the revo-
.lutionary army. This offer was ac-
cepted. and La Fayette. out of respect
to his high rank, was commissioned q
major general, July 81, TIT. He soon
won the favor and friendship Of George
Washington. and rendered really dis
tinguished services to the cause of the
patriots at the battles of Brandywine
and Monmouth. At the end of ITS
war having been declared between his
own country and Great Britain. the
marquis, who still retained his COM
i. mission in the French army, obtained
leave of absence and sailed for home
in January. 1879. He was received
with unbounded enthusiasm by the
French people. who at the time were
full of revolutionary ideas and dreamed
of equal rights, and succeeded in OBJ
tanning from the government assist
ance, both in men and money. for the
American cause. Thereupon La Fayett-
recrossed the Atlantic and rejoined
Washington in May. 1850. Shortly
after his arrival the French auxiliary
force, under the command of Rocham-
beau. arrived. After obliging the we'll
equipped army of Lord CORVALLIS to
surrender at Yorktown. the marquis
again returned to France. and in 1854,
after the independence of the United
States had been recognized. -gain re
visited our country as the guest Of
Washington.
Returning to Paris. after brief stay.
Ia Fayette assumed his public duties
as q member of the assembly of nota-
bles, and at once became the champion
of radicalism. After bringing about
the convocation Of the states-general.
In 1889. he was appointed commander
in chief Of the national guard Of Paris.
: In which capacity he succeeded in saw
Ing the lives Of Louis XVI and Marie
Antoinette from the rabble which had
taken possession Of the palace Of Yer