Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1902-05-25
Countess de Rochsmbeau Uncovsr Mouu-
ment of Her Famous Ancestor.
GREAT CHEERS GREET BRONZE FIGURE
French and Americans Vie in Honoring
Memory of Washington 0OmpatriOt-
NJ. CAMBoN ACCEPTS HONOR FOR FRANCE
Presence of Yankee Soldiers and
French Naval Troops Gives Mill
tary Aspect Recalling scenes
of Original Alliance.

WASHINGTON, May 24.-Amid the enA
thusiastic demonstrations Of a great con-
course OF people the superb bronze statue
OF General Count Marshal de 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 so many
brilliant features OF military pageantry and
at the same time given occasion for the
manifestation of the strong bonds OF friend
ship existing between the French republic
and the United States.
For the first time In its history the ma
tional capital witnessed the sight of rank
on rank of French seamen swinging through
Pennsylvania avenue and mingling their
cheers with those OF the American blue
Jackets and soldiers, while at the same
time the French tricolors were entwined
with the Stars and Stripes, and the sound
of the "Marseillaise" was heard with the
Star spangled Banner"
Ceremony of dwelling.
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 were great stands to accommodate
the many distinguished officials and guests
4.
every hand the colors OF France and Amerj'
lea were blended, one stand being hung
with great folds Of red, and another with
white, and another with blue. Within this
amphitheater were gathered representatives
OF every branch OF the government, includ-
ing the president OF the United States and
members 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, SEN
ators and representatives.
Not less distinguished was the represen-
tation OF France, designated by President
Loubet, and including General Brugere the
highest field of1cer in the French army;
Vice Admiral Fournier. inspector general
OF the French navy; General Count Chai-
endar the descendants of Rochambeau and
Lafayette, and others distinguished IN
French military, official literary and ar
tistic life.
VI. Cambon and stan.
With them were the French ambassador.
M. Cambon, and the entire staff 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
president noted the appropriateness Of the
uniform for the occasion and made a brief
complimentary speech to the escort.
When the president arrived at the presi-
Dental stand the entire assemblage arose
and greeted him with lusty cheers.
After impressive invocation by Rev.
| Dr. Stafford, who took the place Of Cardinal
Gibbons, President Roosevelt delivered the
address of welcome. He spoke In strong
voice and with great earnestness, pausing
frequently at the outbursts OF applause.
| Countess DiscIoses the Shaft.
AS the president concluded his address
the Countess de Rochambeau caught up
the cords tied 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 OF
| an artillery salute came from a battery
OF heavy guns nearby and the strains Of
the French national hymn, THE Marseil-
Iaise," came from the Marine band. II was
| an inspiring moment, and led by President
Roosevelt. the entire assemblage Joined In
cheering. Another demonstration occurred
at the close of General Brugere's address,
when. with characteristic French vehe-
| meDCe, ne gave TINS pieuBe OF unQsluk
FTanco-American friendship:
"Entre vous, entire nous; a la vie, . Ia
mort"
("Between you. between US; In life in
death.O
The ceremonies today were the cuImina-
tion OF the efforts Of NJ Jules Boeufve Of
the French embassy extending over the
last two years. He has sought to strength
en- the bonds OF friendship between the
two countries. and to this end has brought
to a successful conclusion the legislation
by which the statue was made possible.
Streets Are FILLED.
The ceremony of unwilling was hxed at
II o'clock this morning, but long before
that hour the streets we're filled with
marching men and 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 TO Lafayette square,
where the shrouded hgure of the French
field marshal awaited the signal for un-
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 COM
| mand OF Major General s. b. NJ. Young and
embraced a battalion OF engineers. a bat
TALON Of sailors and marines, with the
Marine band, a battalion Of cavalry and
field artillery and a brigade Of national
guardsmen OF the First Columbia. repre-
senting In all the various branches OF the
United States military and naval services
President welcomes French Guests.
The president made the following brief
address;
. Mr.. Ambassador, and you, the repre-
sentatiVes of the mighty republic OF France
/ extend 20 you on behalf OF the people
of the United States the warmeet and mos
, cordial greeting. We appreciate to tbs
full all that is implied In this embassy
composed Of such men as those who have
been sent over here by President Loubs
, 10 Commemorate the Unwilling OF thu