New-York tribune., 1902-02-01
VICTOR HUGO.
HIS CENTENARY IN PARIS
THIS MONTH
THIS MONTH

The hundredth birthday of Victor Hugo falls
on February % and for several months projects
have been maturing in France for the proper
celebration of this anniversary with imposing
ceremonies. These projects, as they are de-
scribed in the Temps" OF Paris. are extremely
numerous and varied. OF all the propositions
! that have been made, many have been eIiminat-
| ed and although at the present time the pro-
gramme of the day has not been entirely set
tied, IT has taken pretty definite shape. There
are. first, the plans OF the government: second
those Of the city of Paris and third those of
! individual admirers OF Victor Hugo The last
have been much restricted. since the friends
and family OF Hugo wished TO keep to a single
day of observance. So the government having
arranged for its two ceremonies the Municipal
Council Of Paris for its two and the Coincide
Francaise for its gala performance. there was
already quite enough to nil one day.
In answer to inquiries put by NJ. Paul Meurice
with DR.. Jean Charcot and Georges Hugo NJ.
Leygues, Minister of Public Instruction. an
nounced that the government desired to organ
ize a celebration. and that he would apply 70
the Chambers for an appropriation. There will
be a solemn ceremonial at the Pantheon-a most
appropriate place since Hugo's body lies there
a second ceremony has been determined upon.
the unveiling OF the monument put up To Hugo
by popular subscription. 1t is an immense
statue by Barrias with accessory figures stand
ing before the Church of St. Honore d'Eylau. in
the Place Victor Hugo. costing little more
than 100000 francs. AS the public subscription
amounted 10 only 10000 francs NJ Paul
Meurice himself made up the modest difference
OF 10000 francs. It seems that popular sub
scriptions for monuments in France much re-
semble those in the United States. The unveil-
ing will take place probably at 10 o'clock a. m
the Pantheon ceremony at o'clock D. m.
The Municipal Council voted credit of 200
600 francs some months ago for its part in the
day. and has since added 100000 francs There
will be, first. popular gathering in the Place
des NosSes, before Victor Hugos house. which
will ultimately become a Victor Hugo museum.
The square will be Illuminated at nightfau: of
the houses upon il only Hugos will be lighted
Before it will he placed the model of the statue
that Rodin is just finishing for the Luxem-
bour6. About this statue and in front of the
house there will be a procession of Paris chill
dren, 1,5OO to 1000 in number, chosen from
the primary schools. each carrying a flower
which will he laid at the foot of the statue
Gustave Charpentier has written for this oc-
Cason a symphonic work with chorus, repre-
senting the Muses. of all countries coming 10
crown the poet and render homage to his genius
A monster orchestra will perform it during the
procession After this the citizens of Paris will
be admitted to pass by the statue
In the evening from o'clock till midnight
the second municipal celebration will take place
"a reception at the Hotel de Vile to writer's
scientists. delegates from France and foreign
countries, and to those in official life On the
Place de i'Hotel de Vile there will be some sort
of a display not yet determined upon. either
reproduction by means of electric lights of some
scene from Victor Hugos plays, or the repre-
sentation of his most famous characters
During this celebration the President of the
republic will attend a performance of Les
BurSraves" at the Coincide Franchise which il
is the intention to make of extraordinary brill
fancy, with specially fine costumes and stage
settings In addition to these plans the TEMPS
hints mysteriously of surprise" that NJ Paul
Meurice Is preparing with great mystery. aided
by NJ Henry Roujon.
on the eve OF the celebration Nj. Paul Meurice
will publish the last volume of the posthun,ous
works of Hugo, a volume of verse entitled
"Dernieres Gerbes."