The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-07-24

signed his name: "Yes, we must in- deed all hang together or assuredly we shall all hang separately
 Envoy to France.
 In 1776, after hostilities were well un- der way and after the declaration had been adopted. Franklin was sent by Congress as an envoy to France. No man was ever received with greater enthusiasm than was this plain kepub- lican in the gayest capital of Europe. He became at once the lion, the fad in all walks of life. He could hardly appear upon the streets without being attended by crowds and greeted with cheers. He was the companion of the most famous men and the pet of .he most beautiful and fashionable women. He was honored by learned societies and was the sage and oracle among the savants of the kingdom. There were Franklin hats and Franklin coats and Franklin hose. His portrait was seen in store windows everywhere. Paris went fairly crazy over him. Yet amid all this fiattery, Franklin kept his head upon his shoulders and his heels upon the ground. He did not forget for a moment the mission on which he had come. He enjoyed the popularity and made the most of 1t for the sake of advancing the interests of his strug- gling country. There were other Americans associated with him, but Franklin was the one who did most of the business. France was then at peace with England and negotiations must be carried on with great discre- tion. But Franklin conducted himself with admirable tact.
 Obtains Needed Aid.
 France was then jealous of England and would not have objected to con- tribute to the island kingdom's down. fall. But war was another matter, and open assistance to Englands 8 enemies would be naturally interpreted as an act of war. So aid must be given with utmost secrecy and care. But such aid the American Ambas- sador succeeded in obtaining. Secret loans. shiploads of supplies, guns and ammunition were all secured at critical junctures through his diplomacy. He discovered Lafayette and commended him to Washington. Alter the surren- der of Burgoyne he redoubled his ef- forts and at length succeeded in nego- tiating an alliance by which France was brought to decuare war against England ana openly to furnish money,
 
 republic. The service he thus rendered to the American caust is inestirlab,e. Without the aid of France the struggle probably would have been much pro- longed and might have resulted in American failure. And without the diplomacy of Franklin the aid of France might never have been secuted.
 Peace Commissioner.
 After the surrender of Cornwtllis, Franklin was chosen one of the Ameri- can commissioners to negotiate terms of peace. In this delicate undertaking he displayed his usual wisdom. Both France and England had to be con- sidered and many conflicting interests had to be adjusted. Largely to Frank lin must be given the credit for ad- justing them to the reasonable satis- faction of all. Certainly America had no reason to complain. She obtained about all she asked and many :hipk much more than she had any light to expect.
 The last service of imp ortance he rendered his country was as a member of the convention that framed the Constitution of the United States.
 Three years later. in 1790, after a more successful life than falls to the lot of most men, he quietly fell asleep. and was followed to his grave by 10000 mourners. Today the nation which he helped to make free and united, and the world which he helped to enlightcn, unite to do him honor.
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