The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-19

Movement to Erect a Monument in the
City of Paris.


WASHINGTON, Feb. 1S.-A movement
has been set afoot to have the United States
erect monument to General Lafayette in
the city of Paris, to be dedicated during the
Paris exposition. The protector of the
movement is Mr.. Robert Thompson, who has
been assured by the French government
unoff1cially, through M. Picard, that ground
for the monument can be secured through
the municipality of Paris in case it be
deemed inadvisabe to erect it over the
grave of Lafayette, which is now obscure
and almost unmarked. President Mckinley
and Assistant Secretary Day Mr. Thomp-
son says, have shown much interest in the
matter, which has been brought officially
to the attention of Congress through reso-
lutions offered in both houses A resolution
offered by Senator Thurston of Nebraska.
makes provision for commission to SUPER
wise the collection of a fund among .au the
schools of the United States for the purpose
of erecting a monument to General Lafay-
cite in the city of Paris, France, the same
to be presented to the government of France
and unveiled and dedicated on the 4th
day of July, in the year 1900. A preamble
to the resolution declares that it is pro-
posed to signalize the celebration of United
States day at the Paris exposition of 1900
by the erection and dedication on that dav
of a monument from the people of America
70 General Lafayette. 1t then recites the
several occasions on which the government
of the United States recognized the influ-
ence of General Lafayette upon the result
or the war Tor independence, and, continu-
ing, says;
Whereas, an occasion presents itself
wherein the American people may recipro-
cate the cogrtesies extended us in the pre-
Sentatlon of the Lafayette monument noy
in Lafayette square in the city of WASH
ington, and the Bartholdi statue of liberty
in New York harbor, and again show their
friendship to France, their love and vener-
alton for that compatriot of Washington
General Lafayette an opportunity which
time and a fitting place; and
Whereas, the remains of General Lafay-
cite now lie humbly inferred i'm the Picus
cemetery, in Paris, marked only by an I'M
pretentious granite slab; and
Whereas, the spot should form most
proud and molly pilgrimage for all lovers Of
liberty; and
: Whereas, the proposed monument should
be a spontaneous Offering coming direct and
exclusively from the children Of America
and that in their bearing the expense of
this work, without financial aid from the
government, the effect may be of the high
est benefit TO our people as donors in direct
ing, as it WILL the thoughts of American
youth to the most patriotic and inspiring
period of our history. to broaden their views
to international points and TO arouse their
interest in the great events of the dawning
century; therefore,
Resolved, ETC., That, in furtherance of
the purpose of this bill, an honorary COM
mission is hereby formed. consisting of the
President of the United States as eX officio
president of said commission and the Gov
ernors of the various States and Territories
as eX officio vice presidents of said commits
SION that the President be and is hereby
authorized to appoint an acting commission
OF five members, consisting of a president.
secretary superintendent, treasurer and two
others, who shall arrange plans and person.
ally direct the collection and expenditure of
all moneys, the selection of a site and the
plans of said monument, the building of the
monument, the dedication and unwilling of
the same and the preparation of an his
toricai report on the work when COM
pleted.'