The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-25
BRUGERE SPOKE IN FRENCH.
French General Paid a Pretty Tribute
to Washington.

As Mr.. Lodge concluded the French band
played 1.-THE Star-spangled Banner" The
closing remarks of the day were by Gen.
eral Brugere of the French army He
spoke in French, saying in part:
MY first and most agreeable duty is to
thank the government of the United States.
on behalf of the French mission, for having
invited the French nation to participate in
these imposing exercises. which can but
strengthen the bonds of friendship uniting
the two nations. We are all very proud of
having been chosen to represent France on
this memorable occasion, especially as the
monument which stands before us is not
only designed to honor Count Rochambeau.
but, as the President of the French repub-
lie said in 1881, on the occasion of the un-
yelling or the monument of Lafayette III
VIII commemorate the ancient bond of
friendship existing between our nations a
bond which now, under similar political in
stitutions, is destined to grow stronger
When France took an active part in the
war OF independence right and liberty were
at stake; the cause was just and sacred.
do not wish to underrate the value of the
material and moral aid which the troops
under Rochambeau and De Grasse brought
the American army. Their discipline and
morale were excellent. These troops were
but auxiliaries under the orders of WASH
ington, but to him alone is due the honor of
having won liberty for America. I do not
really know which to admire more. Count
De ROchambeau. lieutenant general of the
French army, one of the best tacticians of
the seven years war, who placed himself
without hesitation. under the orders of the
American general. or George Washington
always considerable of the French general.
always seeming to consult rather than
command.
I'm letter in 1855 Washington saws:
The sincerity. honor and bravery OF Your
troops, the hgh-minded patriotism and the
a nf ar
OF your compatriots with whom, can ven
ture 10 say, / am intimately acquainted
and. above all, the keen interest which
your illustriOus monarch and his loyal sub
Jects have taken in the success of the
American cause and in the DEVELOPMENT of
our independence, have made your Ma
ton very dear TO us and have formed ties
and left us impressions which neither time
nor circumstances can destroy
Ihose are, gentlemen, the last thoughts
OF Washington. They find a clear echo in
our hearts, after the friendly reception YOU
have given the French mission, after the
ovation with which you have greeted US
after the eloquent and patriotic speeches
we have just heard, and after the generous
proofs or sympathy the American Nation
has given lately to our unfortunate com
patriots in Martinique. And in conclusion
l relterate words Rochambeau pronounced
IN l1sl: We are one in life or in DEATH"
Bishop Satterlee brought the ceremonies
10 close with a benedction. and the
French and American forces passed in re-
view before the President.
A proposed ball on the French man-of-
war Gaulois, while in New York waters
has been abandoned because of the Mar
Unique disaster. This reception was not
on the official programme, but was intended
10 be given by General Brugere of the
Rochambeau mission. on the 18th inst. as
an appropriate incident OF entertainment
while in this country.
Reception mt the German Embassy.
WASHINGTON. May A-The reception