Evening star., 1900-07-03
MEMORIAL TO WASHINGTON
EQUESTRIAN STATUTE UNVEILED IN
PARIS THIS MORNING.
Gen. Porter Delivers an Address in
Which He EuloKiHes Americas
Hero.

PARIS, July 3.-The ceremonies connect
ed with the unwilling of the equestrian
statue of Washington. the gift OF AN As
scciation OF American Women for the Pre-
sentation Of a Statue of Washington to
France" passed off today according to
program and under favorable circum-
stances. Sousa's band was in attendance.
The United States ambassador, Gen. Horace
Porter. presided and delivered an address
He said:
First let me extend a cordial greeting
and an earnest welcome to all who have
gathered here to participate in the i'm
pressive ceremonies which are to follow
Tie occasion is fraught with peculiar in
terest. We come together today to dedi-
cate a statue of Washington in the home
Of Lafayette The patr,ouc lcdiss of Amer
lea. in presenting this gift to our sister re-
pubnc, could not perpctuate in enduring
bronze more exalted character His name
Is the synonym Of unSelfish patriotism sub
limo heroism. answering virtue. When in
trusted with the task of defending the lib
critics of his country, his towering genius
brought order out Of chaos. turned weak
Hrgs Into giants and snatched victory from
defeat. His modesty GGs equal to his coqr-
age. He never underroted himself in a bat
tie; he never overrated himself in a re-
port He reached the highest pinnacle of
human greatness and covered the earth with
when epitaphs have vanished utterly and
monuments have crumblcd Into dust
His ashes were laid to rest in the bosom
OF the soil his efforts saved, but his true
sepulcher is the hearts of his countrymen
Il am deeply sensible of the honor which
has been assigned me of welcoming upon
this occasion the high officials of France,
the distinguished representatives, 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 i'm
posing statue executed by Bartholdi, which
Is at present the most conspicuous monu-
ment in the har'bor OF New York, Liberty
EnHghtening the World Today the ladies
of America-we always find a woman wher-
ever noble task is to be accomplished
present to the former ally of the United
States a statue Of him who was the high
est personihcation Of liberty, the immortal
Washington. During the eight long years
of sanguinary conflict carried on at the
cost Of countless sacrifices to assure our
national independence Washington was al
once the sword and shield of the country
and the disinterested champion of the sacred
right Of self-government- Throughout his
ent ro 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 judg
ment and vigorous in action, never allow
ing himself to be unduly ciated by victory
OF Impressed py Qeledt, ne cOulQ 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
Fabius. the skill of Hannibal. the courage
of a Ney crowned with the affection Of his
fellow countrymen and the admiration Of
the entire world. From the bitter seeds Of
war he reaped q 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 oppression
and his sense of gratitude to the generous
nation which came to their aid at the most
critical moment of the struggle for ex-
istence was never weakened. His body lies
upon the banks of the Potomac: it is fit
ting that his statue should stand upon the
banks of the Seine. This monument is an
offering of peace and good will 1t Is to
be inaugurated within the shadow OF the
three resplendent colors which are those of
the national banners of the two great re-
publcs. These flags, which blend so har-
moniously upon this occasion. are the sym
boil of the traditional friendship by which
the two countries are united. May they
never fail to recall the early alliance ce-
mented upon the field of battle by the
blood shed IN common for the same cause.