The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-02-26
HOMAGE TO HUGO
Centenary of Sovereign French
Writer of 10Th Century.
IMPOSING CEREMONIES IN PARIS.
PRESIDENT, Statesmen and Diplomats
Witness Magnificent Scene in
the Pantheon.

Paris, Feb. 26.-The series of festivi-
birth of VICTOR Hugo, which will last I'M
til Sunday next, opened this morning with
grand ceremony within the Pantheon,
under the auspices of the government.
President Loubet, NJ. Waldeck Rousseau,
the premier, and the other members of
the cabinet, the members of the senate
and the chamber Of deputies, representa-
tive delegations from the institute and
other state bodies, including the leading
lights Of art, science and literature in
France, and Populations from the various
lycees and educational institutions were
present. President LOubet was warmly
cheered along the route as he drove to the
Pantheon, escorted by squadron Of
cuirasseirs.
The president and cabinet ministers
took their seats in the official tribune
erected by the choir, while in the tran
sept beneath the dome were two other
tribunes, one to the right reserved for
Madame Loubet AMI the wives of the min
listers and the other, to the left, on which
the members Of Victor Hugos family were
seated The United States ambass ador,
General Horace Porter sat in the front
row Of the seats set apart for the diplo-
matte corps.
Poets Bust as Central Figure.
Beneath the center of the dome rose
from out Of cluster Of palms and flowers
the bust of Victor Hugo by the celebrated
sculptor, David dangers. A few steps
behind the bust was a little platform from
which the artists from the Coincide
Franchise recited verses from the poets
work. Tribunes for senators, deputies,
academicians and other principal guests
were ranged around the nave, about 5000
persons being present. A privileged posi-
ton between the bust and the front of the
presidents tribune was reserved for
about ninety young men and girls selected
from the various schools to typify the
youth of France.
The decoration of the interior of the
Pantheon was very simple but impressive,
blue being the dominant color. The sides
were draDed with blue velvet ornamented
with the initials "F. H." and beneath the
dome was SUSPENDED an enormous gilt
laurel wreath attached to the surrounding
walls by light garlands of foliage. The
walls Of apse were cou"rletely hidden by
blue velvet hangings, embroidered in gold,
in the center Of which stood out a large
wreath inclosing within g Tyre and the
initials ~. H." beneath being the dates
'1S02-1902." The principal facade was
also hllng with blue velvet, bearing the
name of the poet while clusters of palms
and flags heightened the external color
effect.
OratiOns and Readings.
The ceremony began shortly after 10 in
the morning and was concluded at 11:45
a. m. The program included eulogist1c
orations by M. Leygues, minister Of pub
lie instruction. and M. Hanotaux, presi-
dent of the institute recitals of several
of Victor Hugo's pcems by members Of
the Coincide Franchise, and the rendering
of hymns, based on Hugo's works, by Del
mas, of the opera, and a choir OF $50 men
and women. The hand Of the Republican
Guards and an orchestra numbering 100
persons performed the Instrumental part
Of the exercises.
The scene within the Pantheon was
most imposing and full of color, owing to
the brilliant toilettes of the ladies and
the uniforms of the officials. Iii all the
public schools of France to-day vas cele
brated by lectures on the life OF Frances
national poet and by readings from his
works hy tnn DrOfGSSOrS