Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1900-04-24
R0BSS STATUE UNVEILED
The MiIi0naireS Gift to New York City
Formally Presented.
Especial Report for the Spirit Of Jcffcrson4

Especial Report for the Spirit of Jcfferson4
New York. April 20, 1920.
Yesterday afternoon the magnificent
bronze statue representing Washington
greeting Lafayette. Mr. Charles Broad
way Rouss' gift to the city of New York,
was unveiled with fitting ceremonies
The statue, which was modelled by Bar.
tholdi, is located at the junction of Morn
ingside and Manhattan avenues, on
Lafayette Square, 114th street. There
were many people present prominent in
social and public life, among whom were
Gen. Horatio c. King, Hon, Randolph
Guggenheimer, President of the Board
of Council; Mr.. Edmond c. Bruwaert
French Consul General, who represented
Ambassador Cambou; Gen. II. Kyd
Douglas, of Hagerstown, Md; Mr. Ed
ward Markham. the author of the Man
With the Hoe" Prof Adolph Cohen, Col
VIM. DeHertburn Washington, Mr..
Charles Broadway Rouss. The 14th
Regiment and 9TH Regiment bands fur
nished the music
Col VIM. DeHertburn Wash ington,
wlo had charge of the ceremonies, m lde
the opening address, in which he alluded
feelingly to the character of the man who,
through patriotic sentiment, had present.
ed to the great city of New York the
beautiful monument they had assembled
to unveil. He referred briefly to the life
of Lafayette and Washington, to their
devotion to the cause of the pe rtriots, and
what they had done for the cause of
Liberty. Among r things Col Wash
ington said, of Lafayette; " Have we
forgotten how this young patriot shared
the difficulties and dtscomforts of the
struggle? His honesty and earnestness
of purpose won him the confidence of his
superiors and his future conduct proved
it never to have been misplaced. His
personal courage distinguished him the
moment he came into the presence of the
enemy. Henever faltered, and the credit
and honor which he ttained 50 rapidly,
and which increased during each succeed
ing year of his service, were based alone
upon the courage and sterling qualities
of the man, and won his way to the affec-
tions of his commanding general and
brother officers. But his proudest title
was his soubriquet throughout the army
of The Soldiers Friend 1t was neither
rank nor wealth, but the true, earnest and
unfaltering man which won him success.
His amiable temper, his extraordinary
prudence and Judgment, his exalted
devotion, his unquestionable integrity,
his conduct as a soldier. and his stead
fastuess as friend OF liberty, have placed
him in the esteem of the nation and in the
foreground among the acknowledged
leaders of the Revolution. A man, the
highest type cast by nature, to whom
equality was the most sacred symbol, and
whom for the cause of mankind and its
freedom, gave life and fortune Purity
was his soul, and justice and freedom his
life. A century ago it was said By
equally gentle, prudent and courageous
conduct he has made himself the Idol of
Congress, of the Army and of the people
of America, and SO may he ever remain"
Col Washington then introduced Gen.
Horatio c. King, who had been chosen to
present the statue to the city on behalf of
Mr.. Rouss, Gen. Kings speech elected
frequent and hearty applause. He said
in part: when Lafayette arrived in
this country matters were in such shape
as to shake the confidence in final victory
of even the most sanguine. The cam
Paigns in New York, New Jersey and
elsewhere, shrouded the bravest hearts in
gloom, while in many cases large numbers
abandoned the cause of liberty and re-
newed their allegiance to their oppres-
sors. The fire in the rear has always been
more depressing to the loyal patriot in
every war in the life of this nation than
the armed enemy at the front History
repeats itself, and there have been found,
down to the present day, vast numbers
who stand ready to embarrass the govern
ment in its efforts to sustain the honor
of the flag France did much to help the
cause of Liberty, in both men and money.
Many Frenchmen sacrificed their lives in
| the cause The memory of those days
never ought to be, and I think never will
be. forgotten. However strained ou1
relations with France may become, dc
not believe that we shall ever goso far as
to cross swords with her. The two coun.
tries will always remain united by the
bonds of the past, when France sent he1
sons to help US, and the names of La
Fayette and Washington will alwaY.
remain as the two bright stars in the
revolutionary war,
President Gugenheimer, in accepting
the monument on behalf of the city, said
among other things: "Thestar of Amer
Ican republicanism and prosperity vii
set IN darkness when American boys anc
girls will cease to be instructed in thos'
superb lessons of self-reliance and ma
tional independence which were taugh
to America and the world by the united
genius of Washington and Lafayette
This beautiful statue is national objec
/ lesson, the value of which cannot b
overestimated. 1t represents and keep
alive our memories of the historic rela
tious of friendship and mutual esteem
which existed between the French an,