The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-25
And Ambassador Cambon and Gen.
Horace Porter speak Of the Friend
ship Of the Two Republics.
GRAFTON BY SENATOR LODGE
IN WHICH HE PAYS TRIBUTE To
EARLY FRENCH SETTLERS.
Tells of the Battle of Yorktown, and
AIIudes to the influence of the
United States on other Nations.

WASHINGTON. May 24-Amid the en-
thusiastic demonstrations OF a great con-
course of people the superb bronze statue
brought the forces of France across the sea
at the hours of greatest peril in the Ameri-
can revolution. was unveiled to-day. Sell
dom has an event presented so many bril-
liant features Of military pageantry. and at
the same time given occasion for the mani
festation Of the strong bonds OF friendship
existing between the French republic and
the United States. For the first time in
it's history the national capital witnessed
the sight Of rank on rank Of French sea-
men swinging through Pennsylvania avenue
and mingling their cheers with those OF
the American blue jackets and soldiers.
while at the same time the French tri-col-
ors were entwined with the stars and
stripes and the sound of the "Marsellaise
was heard along with the "star-spangled
Banner"
The ceremony of unveiling was fixed for
IL o'clock this morning. but long before
that hour the streets were filled with
marching men and with a great crowd
eager to witness the exercises and review.
A battalion of French seamen arrived by
special train from Annapolis early in the
day, and headed by the crack band from
the French battleship. swung through
Pennsylvania avenue 10 Lafayette Square,
where the shrouded figure Of the French
field marshal awaited the signal for
yelling. The American soldiers. sailors and
marines already had assembled and gave
their French brothers in arms a hearty
welcome. The American troops were under
command of Major General S. B. NJ. Young.
and embraced a battalion Of engineers. a
battalion of sailors and marines. with the
Marine Band, a battalion of cavalry and OF
field artillery and brigade OF national
guardsmen of the District OF Columbia.
representing all the various branches Of
the United States military and naval serv-
ices.
OFFICIALS AND GUESTS.
The exercises were held at the southwest
corner of Lafayette Square. almost directly
opposite the White House. where the mass
i've figure of the French general has been
erected. Surrounding the figure was a
great stand TO accommodate the many dis
tinguished officials and guests invited TO
take part in the exercises. On every hand
the colors OF France and America were
blended, one stand being hung with great
folds of red, another with white and stiu
another with blue. Within this ampitheater
were gathered representatives OF every
branch OF the government. including the
President of the United States and men,
bers Of his Cabinet, the chief justice and
associate justices Of the United States Su-
preme Court, the lieutenant general OF the
army and the admiral Of the navy. senators
and representatives Not less distinguished
was the representation OF France desig-
mated by President Loubet and including
General Brugere, the highest field officer
in the French army: Vice Idn iral Four
nier inspector general OF the French navy;
the venerable General Count Chalendar.
the descendants Of Rochambeau and La
fayette and others distinguished in French
military. official. literary and artistic life.
With them were the French ambassador.
NJ Cambon, and the entire stan OF the
French embassy. all in brilliant diplomatic
uniform. while the diplomatic corps was
represented by the German, Russian. Ital-
ian and Mexican ambassadors and the min
listers from many foreign countries.
President Roosevelt and the members OF
the Cabinet were escorted from the White
House by a file OF minute men dressed in
the uniform OF continental days. The Pres
ident noted the appropriateness OF the uni
form for this occasion and made brief
complimentary speech 10 the escort. When
the President arrived al the presidential
stand the entire assemblsge arose and
greeted him with Iusty cheers. After an
impressive invocation by Rev. DR.. Stafford.
who took the place Of Cardinal Gibbons
President Roosevelt delivered the address
OF welcome. He spoke in a strong voice
and with great earnestness. pausing fire.
quently at the outburst OF applause.
AS the President concluded his address
the Countess De Rochambeau caught up
the cords TO the flags enveloping the statue
and the massive bronze figure emerged
through the folds OF red white and blue.
At the same instant the BOOM 'boomi'
OF an artillery salute came from a bat
terry OF heavy guns near by. and the strains
OF the French national hymn. the Mar
sellaise." came from the Marine Band II
was an inspiring moment. and led by
President Roosevelt. the entire assemblags
joined in cheering. Another demonstration
occurred at the close OF General Brugere's
address. when with characteristic French
vehemence he gave this pledge OF undying
Franco-American friendship: Entire YOU.
entire nous. la vie. a Ia mort" (Be-
tween you. between US: In life. In death.)
The ceremonies to-day were the culnina-
tion Of the efforts OF NJ. Jules Boeusve. OF
the French embassy. extending over the
| last two years. Ne has sought q
strengthen the bonds cf srsencship bo-