The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1900-07-05
GIFT By OUR WOMEN.
Washington Statue Formally
Unveiled In Paris.
ADDRESS By GENERAL PORTER.
Extols the Founder of our Republic
and Pays n Delicate Tribute
to the People of
France.


to the People of
France.
PARIS. July 4.-The ceremonies con.
nected with the unveilng of the eques.
tran statue of Washington. the gift of
an association Of American women for
the presentation of a statue of Washing
ton to France. passed off according to
programme and under favorable circum.
stances Sousa's band was in attend
ance. The United States ambassador,
General Horace Porter. presided and de-
livered an address. 1t was as follows:
First LET me extend n cordial greeting
and an earnest welcome to all who have
gathered here to participate in the i'm.
pressive ceremonies which are to follow.
The occasion is fraught with peculiar in
terest. We come together today to dedi-
cate a statue of Washington in the home
Of Lafayette. The patriotic ladies Of
America in presenting this gift to our
sister republic could not perpctuate in
enduring bronze a more exalted charac-
ter. His name is the synonym of unself-
ish patriotism. sublime heroism. unswerv-
ing virtue. When intrusted with the
task of defending the liberties of his
order out of chaos. turned weaklings into
giants and snatched victory from defeat.
His modesty was equal to his courage.
He never underrated himself in a battle:
he never overrated himself in report.
He reached the highest pinnacle of hu-
man greatness and covered the earth
with his renown. His name will stand
immortal when epitaphs have vanished
10.
into dust.
His ashes were laid to rest in the bos-
ON of the soil his efforts saved. but his
true sepulcher is the hearts of his coun-
trymen.'
The following portion OF the address
was delivered in French:
Il am deeply sensible of the honor
which has been assigned me of welcom-
ing upon this occasion the high officials
of France, the distinguished representa-
tives Of foreign powers and the citizens
both French and American. who honor
this ceremony by their presence.
Fifteen years ago a large number Of
the people Of France. animated by their
friendship for America. sent there the
imposing statue executed by Bartholdi,
which is at present the most conspicuous
n.
Liberty Enlightening the World To-
day the ladies of America-we always
find woman wherever noble task is
TO be mplished-present To the for
mer ally Of the United States statue Of
him who was the highest personifcation
OF liberty. the immortal Washington.
During the eight long years of sangui-
nary conflict carried on at the cost Of
independence Washington was at once
the sword and shield of the country and
the disinterested champion of the sacred
right of self government. Throughout
his entire career he was content to leave
the efforts to man. the results to God.
When he could not control. he endured.
Slow in deliberation. firm in decision,
clear in judgment and vigorous in action,
never allowing himself to be unduly
elated by victory or depressed by defeat,
he could convince when others could not
advise; he could lead where others could
only follow.
He emerged from the heroic struggle
in which he had shown the prudence Of
a Fabus, the skill of a Hannibal. the
courage of a Ney, crowned with the af-
fection of his fellow countrymen and the
admiration Of the entire world. From the
bitter seeds Of war he reaped a harvest
Of enduring peace. He did his duty and
trusted TO history for his need of praise.
History has not failed to render TO him
the tribute of its homage The founder
of the American republic was always
the faithful friend Of France. His heart
was deeply touched by the sympathy
she evinced for the colonies, which had
arisen against an uncomfortable oppres-
sion. and his sense of gratitude To the
generous nation which came To their aid
at the most critical moment OF the strug-
Gle for existence was never weakened.
His body lies upon the banks Of the Po-
tomac. Ii is fitting that his statue should
stand upon the banks Of the Seine. This
monument is an offering of peace and
good will. II is to be inaugurated within
the shadow of the three resplendent col
ors which are those of the national ban
ners Of the two great republics. These
flags. which blend so harmoniously upon
this occasion. are the symbol of the ira
ditional friendship by which the two
countries are united. May they never
fail 10 recall the early alliance cemented
upon the. field of battle by the blood she'd
in common for the same cause
Consul General Gowdy made the pres
entation. and the French minister of for
eisn affairs, NJ. Delcasse. accepted in
behalf Of France.
Colonel Charles Chaille Long also de-
livered an oration.
NJ. Dclcasse. in accepting the statue,
said:
The thought OF offering France n
statue Of the hero. who was the incarna-
tion Of the curious &? virtue Of his race.
could not but go TO the heart of this
country. But it touched il more particu-
iarly when coming from the American
women. who unite so perfectly valor with
grace. | beg the women of the United
States 10 accept, with my respectful hom-
age, the profound thanks OF the French
nation. He whose noble image has just
been unveiled may perhaps be cited as
an example for the world, but especially
10 the citizens of democracy. | doubt
if another could be found in history who
could reunite in the same degree the
qualities demanded for the guidance of a
frae naonlp -