Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-05-26
TO ROCHAMBEAU,
Statue to the French Hero I'm
veiIed at Washington.
Pres. Roosevelt Extends Greetings to
Representatives Of France.
Ambassador Cambon Rcsponds-Thc
Grafton by Senator Ledge.

Washington, May 24.-Amid the en-
thusastic demonstrations of Il great
ConcOurse Of people the superb bronze
statue of Gen. Count dc ROchambeau,
who brought the forces of France
across the sea at the hour Of greatest
peril in the American Revolution, was
unveiled. today.
Seldom has an event presented 50
many brilliant features Of military
pagcantry and at the same time given
occasion for the manifestation Of the
strong bonds Of friendship existing be-
tween the French republic and the
United States.
For the first time in its history the
national capital witnessed the sight Of
rank on rank Of French seamen swing
ing through Pennsylvania avenue and
minSling their cheers with those of the
American bluciacketS and soldiers,
while at the same time the French tri-
colors were entWined with the Stars and
Stripes ana the sound Of the "Marsel-
laise" was heard along with the Star
SpanEled Banner
The ceremony of unVeilng occurred
at the southwest corner of Lafayette
S'iUSlit. tlIii'ISl tllI tNtiy OltIpHiAf bAAC
White House, where the massive figure
of the French general has been erected.
Surrounding the figure of the French
general were great stands to accom-
modata the many distinguished officials
and guests invited to take part in the
exercises.
on every hand the .colors of France
ana America were blended, one stand
being hung with great folds of red, an
other with white and still another with
blue. Within this ampitheatre were
gathered representatives of every
branch of the government, including
the President Of the United States and
members Of his cabinet, the chief JUS
tice and associate justices of the Unit
ed States supreme court, the lieutenant
general of the army ana the admiral of
the navy, senators and representatives.
Not the less distinguished was the
representation of France designated by
President Loubet and including Gen.
Brugcre, the highest field officer. in tho
French army; Vice Admiral Fournier,
inspector general of the French navy;
the venerable Gen. Count Chalendar,
the descendants of Rochambeaus and
Lafayette, and Others distinguished in.
French military, official, literary and
artistic life.
With them were the French ambassa-
dor, NJ. Cambon. and the entire staff OF
The French embassy, all in brilliant
diplomatic uniform. while the diplo-
matte corps was represented by the
German, Russian, italian and Mexican
ambassadors and the ministers from
many foreign countries.
President Roosevelt and the mem
bers of the cabinet were escorted from
the White House by d file Of minute
men, dressed in the uniform of the
continental days.
The President noted the appropriate
ness of the uniform for this occasion
and made brief complimentary
speech to the escort. When the Presi-
dent arrived at the Presidential stand
the entire asscrlblage arose ana
greeted him with lusty cheers. After
an impressive invocation by Rev DR.
Stafford, who took the place of Car
dinal Gibbons, President Roosevelt de /
livered the address Of welcome He
spoke in q strong voice and with great
earnestness, pausing frequently at the 1
outbursts of applause.
As the President concluded his ad-
dress. the Countess de Rochambeau
caught up the cords to the flags en-
veloping the statue and the massive
bronze figure emerged through the
folds of red, white and blue At the
same instant the boom of an artillery
salute came from a battery Of heavy
guns near by and the strains Of the
French national hymn, the "Marseil-
laisc." came from the Marine Band. 1t
was an inspiring moment and, led by
President Roosevelt, the entire assem-
blage Joined in cheering.
Another demonstration occurred at
the close of General Brugere's adj
dress, when, with characteristic French
vehemence, he gave this pledge of I'M
dying Franco American friendship.
Entire vous, Entire nous, a la Vie,
a Ia Mort
Between you, between us, in life, !
in DEATH"
The ceremonies, today, We're the Gull
mination of the efforts of NJ Jules
Boeufye of the French embassy, ex-
tending over the last two years. He
has sought to strengthen the bonds
of friendship between the two coun-
tries, and to this end has urged to q.
successful conclusion the legislation by
n II. i.