The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-08-15
AMERICAS GIFTS TO FRANCE.


Much interest Is being manifested in
the movement by citizens OF Philadel-
phia TO present to the city OF Paris at
the Universal Exposition next year a
replica or the statue of Benjamin
Franklin by John j. Boyle, which,
through the generosity OF Mr.. Straw
bridge, now stands In front OF the post
otilce. IL is also announced that Paul
Wayland Bartlett's model for the
monument TO Lafayette which is TO be
erected by subscriptions from the
school children OF the United States
has been accepted by the municipal au-
thorities Of Paris upon the recommen-
dation OF the architect OF the Louvre,
under whose supervision the memorial
VIII be erected. Daniel Chester French
assisted by Edward G.. Potter, is en-
gagged on a statue of Washington also
for Paris under American auspices.
OF the men conspicuous in American
history. mo three could be more appro-
priately chosen for cOmmemmoration
by THE American scupltor's art amid
the streets OF Paris than Washington,
Franklin and Lafayette, says the Phila-
delphia Times. The name OF Washing
ton naturally suggests itself before all
others, and the statue by Mr.. French
can appropriately be placed In the Rue
Washington I'm Paris. 1t was Frank
Inns skilful hand that negotiated the
treaty OF alliance with France which
secured the fleets and armies sent by
that generous ally to America and
without which the revolution might not
have succeeded. The statue which now
stands In front OF the post office IL an
admirable work OF art, and IL Will
worthily perpetuate the services OF the
great Franklin I'M the French capital.
IL i intended TO locate the statue at
Passy. where Franklin resided when he
was the minister from the United
states TO France. Passy. although then
suburb is now In the centre of the
exposition grounds.
II the original plans OF the Memorial
Commission are carried out the dedics-
ton OF the monument TO Lafayette will
be an impressive feature of the United
Skates Day at the Paris Exposition.
July a. 1900. The purpose of the com
mission in projecting the monument
was TO secure a memorial TO mark the
grave OF Lafayette. His remains lie
neglected and almost unknown. marked
only by a granite slaN IN "A small ceme
terry I'm Paris, Within the walls of "A con-
vent known through Victor Hugo's |
LES Miserables." as the convent OF the
Petit Picpus. America has rightly es- |
teemed II privilege TO honor fhe men, |
ory OF the great Frenchman and friend |
OF the nation. Lafayette not only Of |
fered himself as a volunteer i'm the |
American revolution. giving royal and |
service. but il was |
through his influence that France |
oaned us 2i,O0v 900 livres. saying i'm res
pect 10 its payment. "Of the $1,000 900
We have loaned YOU we forgive YOU
100000 as a gift CT friendship. and
when with years there comes pros
perity. you can pay the rest without
interest.
These three statues will be primarily |
,lfts TO France suggestive OF the friend
anfp which has existed, and is still
maintained, between the two nations.
'ut their erection in the French capital
must also be regarded with qualification
~ the sculptors of America Partisan |
aste ~ keenly critical, and IL American |
achievement satisfies fits advanced
tandard. IL is evidence OF the progress
II native sculpture. and the place IL
commands among the art of nations.
Mr.. Boyle's work in PHILADELPHIA IL
amiliar; he is also represented i'm the
Library at Washington |
" statues of Plato and of Bacon. Mr.
'rench. who. with Mr. Potter produced
ne Grant statue recently erected i'm
'airmount Park. modelled the statue OF
ferodotus and one symbolizing History
or Washington. while he gained inter-
atlonal prominence through the colos-
al figure OF the Republic which rose
majestic beauty from the waters OF
ne Grand Basin at the Worlds Column
nan Exposition. .dr Bartlett who has |
cen rising rapf-.y into prominence in
he world of sculpture Is best known |
hrough the statues OF Michael Angelo
nd Columbus he has contributed no |
he National Library.
With the commissions resting u.f.h |
hese scupltors OF acknowledged abilitv |
nd experience no doubt need be on |
ertained that the statues which wfn |
nd place in the worlds greatest
entire Of art will fifty commemorate
he great personages they represent
nd worthily exemplfy American
,ulpture.