The semi-weekly messenger., 1902-05-27
UNITE IN HONORINC A REvOLU u
TIONA2Y SOLDIER.
Unveiled in the Presence OF the
President and High Omcials of
America and Representatives of
France "A Magnificent Pageant
President ROOseveIt's speech of
Welcome to the French-Descen-
dents of Lafayette and Rocham-
beau Partfcipate-French Troops
March Through Streets of our
Capital.


Washington, May 24-Amid the en-
thusiastic demonstrations of a great
concourse of people, the superb bronze
statue of General Count de Rocham-
beau, 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 manifesto
ton 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 seannen swinging through Penn
| sylvania avenue and mingling their
| cheers with those of the American blue
| jackets and soldiers, while at the same
| time the French tri-colors were en-
| twined with the Stars and Stripes and
| the sound of the "Marseillaise 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 were great
| stands to accommodate the many dis
| tinguished officials and guests invited
/ %aly IN
| hand the colors of France and America
were blended, one stand being hun
| with great folds of red, another with
| white and still another with blue.
| Within this amphitheatre were gather
| ed representatives of every branch Of
the government, including the president
| of the United States and members of
| his cabinet, the chief justice and asso-
| ciate justices of the United States su-
| preme court, the lieutenant genera! of
the army and the admiral of the navy,
| senators and representatives. Not less
| distinguished was the representation Of
| France designated by President Loubet
| and including General Brugere, the
| highest field officer in the French army.
| Vice Admiral Fournier, inspector gen.
| eral of the French navy; the venerable
/ Count Chandler, the descendants Of
| Rochambeau and Lafayette, and others
distinguished in French military, off,
| cial, literary and artistic life. With
| them the French ambassador, NJ. Cam
| bon, and the entire staff of the French
embassy. all in brilliant diplomatic uni
| forms, while the diplomatic corps was
| represented by the German, Russian,
| Italian and Mexican ambassadors and
| the ministers from many foreign coun-
| tries.
| President Roosevelt and the mem
bers of the cabinet were escorted from
| the White house by a file of minute
| men, dressed in the uniform of Cont
| mental days. The president noted the
| appropriateness of the uniform for this
occasion and made a brief compliment
| ary speech to the escort
| When the ., esident arrived at the
| presidential stand, the entire assem-
blage arose and greeted him with lusty
| cheers
AS the presto ent concluded his ad-
| ". u.
Of Cardinal Gibbons, President Roose-
| Welt delivered the address of welcome.
He spoke in strong voice and with
great earnestncss, pausing frequently
at the outbursts of applause.
Asthe president concluded his ad-
dress. The Countess Rochambeau
caught up the chords to the flags en-
veloping the statue, and the massive
folds of red. white and blue. At the
same time the BOOM boom OF an
artillery salute came from a battery
Of heavy guns nearby, and the strains
Of the French national hymn, the
"Marseillaise" came from the marine
band. 1t was an inspiring moment,
and led by President Roosevelt, the
entire assembiage joined in cheering.
Another demonstration occurred at
the close of General Brugere's address
when with characteristic French vehe-
mence he gave this pledge of undying
Franco american friendship: Entire
vous, entire nous: a la vie. a Ia mort"
(Between you, between us; in life, in
death.)
The ceremonies today were the cul-
Boeufve. Of the French embassy, AK
tending over the last two years. He
has sought to strengthen tn. bonds OF
| friendship between the two countries
| and to this end has urged to success-