The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-25
GEN. HORACE PORTER.
Address by the United States Ambas-
sadOr to France.

Following the French ambassador, Gen.
Horace Porter, the United States ambassa-
dor to France spoke. He said in part:
I'm the heart of the Nations capital, In
presence of this vast assemblage of repre-
sentative citizens of the old world and the
new, in memory Of a contest in which
French and American blood moistened the
same soil in battling for common cause
We meet TO dedicate a Statue in honor of a
hero Of two contnents-the illustrious Ro-
chambeau. Its purpose is to recall the rec
ord of imperiShable deeds, to testify that
his name is not a dead memory but living
reality; TO quicken our sense Of apprecia-
ton and emphasize the fidelity of our af-
lection.
I'm erecting yonder statue in honor of
this great representative soldier, America
has raised constructively, a monument to
the memory of every Frenchman who
fought for the cause of her national indie
pendence. Its dedication celebrates the joint
victory which terminated a struggle that
gave freedom to the American colonies and
consecrated all the new world eventually
TO liberty and the rights of man.
TO fully appreciate the genuineness of
Rochambeau's character, as exemplified in
his American campaign, we must recollect
that he was member of the old French
nobility and the wearer of decorations be-
slowed by royal hands, yet coming here
TO gain battles in the interest of advanced
republican principles. It was not his own
country for which he was fighting; he had
no intention of remaining here to share in
the prosperity which would follow sue
cess; he. therefore, did not have the power
ful stimulus OF patriotism TO animate him.
He came to our shores with a proud army.
handsomely equipped. brilliantly uniformed
and disciplined in the rigid school of a
leading military power Of the old world, 10
find himself associated with the modest
yeomanry Of the colonies, who constituted
the American forces, who were not SUD-
piled with clothing enough to cover their
honorable wounds, and the march of whose
shOeless battalions could be traced by the
blood flowed Ia of Cd
feet. Frequent communication with France
was impossible and ROchambeau had been
given almost unrestricted liberty of action.
Under these circumstances a man with less
modesty and magnanimity of character and
less earnest spirit OF accommodation
might have been overbearing, arrogant and
indisposed TO look with favor upon plans
presented by the American commander, but
he manifested from the outset an undis-
suised Willingness TO adopt all measures
which might facilitate the Joint military
operations upon this difficult theater of war
and sank all considerations other than
those which would conduce TO the complete
success OF the allied armies
''Rochambeau left this country crowned
with the laurels of success and the bearer
OF every token of recognition which a
grateful country could bestow. If he were
permitted TO return to earth he would see
IN the matchless prosperity of the coun-
try an ample vindication OF the principles
OF government for which the battles in
America were fought. He would find that
the thirteen feeble colonies had grown to
forty-five vigorous States, that the three
millions of people had been swollen to
SoOoOO0, that the population had been
strengthened by an Interviewing of the
stoutest hbers Of other nations and nur-
tured by the best blood of many lands, that
the flag which had once struggled for bare
existence in a few Atlantic States had
moved across a vast continent and had
beeen planted even in the opposite ends of
the earth. He would find here all things
changed except the sentiments of graft
tude for his services. These will be ever
lasting. Living, he dwelt i'm the affections
OF MS American comrades; dead. he is en-
hrined in the hearts of their posterity for
the friendship Of the fathers is a precious
legacy 10 the sons and a common heritage
OF ancient glory can never be divided
This statue is not simply to commence
rate war. but 10 typify peace and good
VIII between the newest republic of the
old world and the oldest republic of the
new world. Seas made us distant comrade-
snip has made US near. This inauguration
takes place beneath the three resplendent
eolors which at the present day are those
OF the respective banners of the sister re-
publics. Their folds have a right to be
placed in close touch, for the old flags
which they represent were interlaced in
battle. waved together in victory and were
entertwined in peace. May the ruthless
hand OF discord never rend them asunder."