The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-05

PARIS. July 4-The statue of Lafayette
presented to France by American chill
dren, was unveiled today amid bright sur
roundings. The Place du Carroussel and
the Palais du Louvre will hereafter be
known 10 Americans as Lafayette Square.
Around the plaster model large stands
had been erected. These were decorated
with French and American flags. and there
were graduated tiers of seats which were
occupied by persons prominent in French
and American society.
When President Loubet arrived Sousa's
Band played the "Maisellaise." Gen. Horace
Porter, the American Ambassador to
France. received the President and con-
Quoted him to the seat of honor. Around
the President sat NJ Deschanel, President
of the Chamber of Deputies; NJ. Failieres,
President of the Senate; NJ. Delcasse,
Minister of Foreign Affairs: NJ. Millerand,
Minister of Commerce, and other members
of the Cabinet. The Papal Nuncio and
many members OF the Diplomatic Corps
were present.
General Porter addressed the audience
in both French and English. Commissioner
General Peck read his speech. Then Presi-
dent Loubet accepted the statue in the
name of France.
After this two boys withdrew the Stars
and Stripes covering the statue 10 the
strains OF Sousas new march. Secretary
Thompson then spoke and was followed by
Mrs. Canning who read speech. and Miss
voss read Putnam's dedicatory poem.
By this time the audience had become
weary and many persons left during the
recitation and prior to Archbishop Ire
lands magnificent dedication address.
which unfortunately was left for the last
number on the programme.
On the outside of the crowd large
number Of Americans who were disap-
pointed at being unable to get closer to
witness the proceedings cheered themselves
hoarse and sang American national airs.
This somewht married the proceedings, as
it prevented even people who were near
the rostrum hearing the speakers.
President Loubet. in accepting the
statute, spoke as follows:
This magnificent monument .coHsecrates
the secular friendship and union of two
great nations. The United Ststes Govern
meIt and Congress associate themselves in
the ceremony before the statue oi our COM
mon ancestor. But the initiative of this
have been brought Up in the noble exam
Piles of history and traditions. i an h.ppy
to join in the thanks sent 10 the Ameri an
people by the Chambers. and 1 now thank
them in the name of France.
The spectacle of two Republics filled at
this moment with the same emotion AID
animated by the same thoughts is a lessen
as well as festival. 1t demontrates that
among nations as among individuals the
calculations of egoism are often more con-
trary to their interest than the generous
movements of the heart.
When Lafayette crossed the ocean to
aid distant people to secure their inde-
pendence. it was not a plaything to heroic
folly, but it served deep political design.
1t went far 10 found the friendship OF the
two nations, based on the worship of
fatherland and liberty. That risndship
born among the brotherhood of arms, has
developed and increased through the cen
fury that is just closing. Succeeding gen.
erations will not permit it to weaken, but
Will seek to increase tire friendly relations
between the Atlantic shores, which Will
thus remain a precious safeguard of tie
worlds peace and human progress"