The Delta independent., 1902-05-30
STATUE is UNVEILED
IN HONOR OF DE RocHAMsEAu.

dent Roosevelt, His Cabinet and
Other High Officials Take Part in
Ceremonies-France Represented
by Brilliant Embassy.
Washington. May 25.-Amid the en-
thusiastic demonstrations of great
concourse OF people. the superb bronze
statue of Gen. Count de Rochambeau,
who brought the forces of France
across the sea in the hour of greatest
peril In the American revolution, was
unveiled yesterday.
Seldom has an event presented SO
many brilliant features of military
pageantry 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
the history of the national capital wit
nesses the sight of rank upon rank of
French seamcn swinging through Penn
sylyania avenue and mingling their
cheers with those of the American blue
jackets and soldiers, while at the same
time the French tricolors were en-
the sound of the 'Marsellaise" was
heard along with the Star Spangled
Banner"
The ceremony of unveiling occurred
at the southwest corner of Lafayette
square, almost directly opposite the
White House, where the massive figure
of the French general has been erected.
Surrounding the figure We're great
stands 10 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 still another with blue.
WiInin this amphitheater were gath
cred Representatives of every branch of
the government. including the Presi-
dent of the United States. and mem
bers of his cabinet. the chief justice
and associate justices of the United
States Supreme Court, the lieutenant
general of the army and the admiral of
the navy. senators and representatives.
Not less distinguished was the rep
resentation of France, designated by
President Loubet and including Cen
eral Brugere, the highest field officer
in the French army; Vice Admiral
Fournier inspector general of the
French navy; the venerable general.
Count Chalandar. the descendants Of
Rochambeau and Lafayette: and 9TH
ers distinguished in French military.
official. literary and artistic life. With
them were the French ambassador, NJ.
Cambon. and the entire staff of the
French embassy. all in brilliant diplo-
matte uniform while the diplomatic
corps was represented by the German,
Russian. Italian and Mexican ambassa-
dors and the minister from many for
eign countries.
A battalian of French seamen ar
rived from Annapolis early in the day
and. headed by the crack band from
the French battleship. swung through
Pennsylvania avenue: to Lafayette
square. where the shrouded figure OF
the French field marshal awaited the
signal for unveiling. The American
soldiers. sailors and marines already
had assembled and gave their French
brothers In arms hearty welcome.
Rev. DIR. Stafford delivered an i'm
pressive opening prayer. At its con-
clusion President Roosevelt stepped to
the front of the platform and extended
n generous welcome 10 the French
guests.
As the President closed his remarks
the Countess De Rochambeau drew
aside the wells enveloping the figure.
bringing into view the massive bronze
proportions of the famous French COM
mandcr. standing proudly erect with
arm outstretched directing the for
tunes OF war on the field Of Yorktown.
\ great cheer went up from French
men and Americans alike and at the
same instant the marine band broke
into the inspiring strains of the MAJ
sellaiSe". As the French national hymn
died away. Ambassador Cambon es-
corted TO the front OF the platform the
youthful sculptor. NJ. Hamar who exc
cuted the statue. Then the amhassa-
dor. speaking in French. delivered 4
brief address.
The Grafton of the day was delivered
by Senator Lodge OF Massachusetts. He
gave n graphic sketch of the work of
De Rochambeau and the French army
in aid Of the American cause and in
closing said:
I'VE unvetl this statue In honor of
brave soldier who fought by the side
Of Washington. We place 1t here to
keep his memory fresh in remembrance
and as n monument of our gratitude
10 France. But let us not forget that
we also commemorate here the men
who first led in arms the democratic
movement which during century of
conflict has advanced the cause of free
dom and popular government through
out the world of western civilization"