The Dolores star., 1902-05-30


Ceremonies-France Represented
by Brilliant Embassy.
Washington. May 25.-Amid the en-
thusiastic demonstrations of a great
concourse OF people. the superb bronze
statue of Gen. Count de Rochambeau,
who brought tha forces of France
across the sea in the hour of greatest
peril in the American revolution. was
unveiled yesterday
Seldom has an event presented Sd
many brilliant features of military
pageantry and at the same time given
occasion for the manifestation of the
strong bonds of friendship existing be-
tween the French Republic and the
United States. For the first time in
the history Of the national capital wit
nesScs the sight of rank upon rank of
French seamen swinging through Penn
sylvania avenue and mincling their
cheers with those of the American blue
jackets and soldiers. while at the same
time the French triCulurs We're en-
twined with the Stars and Stripes. and
the sound of the 'MarSellaise" was
heard along with the Star Spangled
Banner"
The ceremony of unyeiling occurred
Mt 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
to take part in the exercises. ON every
hand the colorS of France and America
were blended, one stand being hung
with great folds of red, another with
white and still another with blue.
WlInm this amphitheatcr We're gath
cred Representatives of every branch of
the government Including the rresi-
dent of the United States. and mem
bers 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. senators and representatives.
Not less distinguished was the rep
rcsentation of France. designated by
President Louhct and including Gen
eral Brugere, the highest field officer
in the French army: Vice Admiral
Fournier. inspector general of the
French navy: the venerable general,
'buul ! Ndlill'lbEs the ifSttUudlltS u
Rochambcau and Lafayette: and 9TH
ers distinguished in French military,
official. literary and artistic life. With
them We're the French ambassador, NJ
Cambon. and the entire staff of the
French embassy. all in brilliant diplc-
matte uniform while the diplomatic
corps was represented by the German,
Russian. Italian and Mexican ambassa-
1ptsS ar mi f,r
eign countries.
A battalian of French seamen ar.
rived 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 figure of
the French field marshal awaited the
signal for unveiling. The American
soldiers, sailors and marines already
had assembled and gave their French
brothers in arms Il hearty welcome.
Rev. DIR. Stafford delivered an i'm
pressive opening prayer. At its con
cluSion President Roosevelt stepped to
the front of the platform and extended
a generous welcome to the French
guests.
AS the President closed his remarks
the Countess De RoChambeau drew
aside the wells enveloping the figure,
bringing into view the massive bronze
proportions of the famous French com
mander, standing proudly erect with
arm outstretched. directing the for
tunes of war on the field of Yorktown.
\ great cheer went up from French
men and Americans alike and at the
same instant the marine band broke
into the inspiring strains of the Ma
sellaise". As the French national hymn
died away, Ambassador Cambon es-
cortcd to the front of the platform the
youthful sculptor, NJ. Iamar. who exc
cuted the statue. Then the ambassa-
dor, speaking in French, delivered
brief address.
The Grafton of the day was delivered
by Senator Lodge of Massachusetts. He
gave a graphic sketch of the work of
De Rochambeau and the French army
in aid of the American cause and in
closing said:
I'VE unyeil this statue in honor of
a brave soldier who fought by the side
of Washington. We place it here to
keep his memory fresh in remembrance
and as monument of our gratitude
TO France. But let MS not forget that
we also commemorate here the men
who first led in arms the democratic
movement which during century of
conflict has advanced the cause of free
dom and popular government through
out the world of western civilization. &"