The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-24
EXCHANGE OF COMPLIMENTS
ToASTs BY VI. CAMBON TO THE PRES
IDENT AND HIS WIFE.
Mr.. Roosevelt Responds in a Pretty
Speech and Drinks to the Health
of President Loubet.

ANNAPOLIS, Md, May 23.-The luncheon
given to-day on board the French battle
ship Gaulois in honor of President Roose-
welt was one of the most memorable Incl
dents of the visit of the distinguished
French soldiers and sailors to this country
who are here to join in the celebration of
the unwilling of the monument to the
memory of General Rochambeau, which
takes place in Washington tomorrow.
The chief guest of honor at the table
Smith, of Maryland. who was assigned
seat near the chief magistrate. Admiral
Dewey sat next to Governor Smith. Imme-
diately opposite the President was Nine.
Cambon, wife of the French ambassador.
and on his right Mrs. Root, wife of the
secretary of war, and on his left Mrs.
Lodge. wife of the Massachusetts, senator.
Next to Mrs. Lodge was General Brugere,
commander of the French armies, and to
the left of Mrs. Lodge was Admiral Four
nier, inspector general of the French navy.
After the delicacies of a choice French
menu had been discussed Ambassador Cam
bon arose and in the name of President
Loubet of the French republic bid hearty
welcome to all who were present. He was
especially complimentary in his illusions TO
President Roosevelt. in whose hands. he
said, the precious liberties of the American
people were safe. He concluded by offer
ing a toast Ito the President of the
glorious American Republic, which had set
the example of popular liberty not only Tor
France, but for the wide world"
President Roosevelt replied in his hap
piest manner, though speaking with UNI
usual elaboration as though he measured
every word he uttered. After expressing
n
for the friendly spirit which prompted the
sending of a battleship and so many illus
trious soldiers and sailors to the unveillng
of the Rochambeau statue the President
said:
Mr.. Ambassador, we appreciate what
France has done in sending to our shores
on this occasion such magnificent war
ship. and we appreciate the choice of those
who were sent here; and, Mr.. Cambon, we
thank you for your happy good judgment
in selecting such an illustrious commander
of the army and navy to send to us on the
suspicious occasion of the unveiling OF the
RCchambeau statue. One hundred and
twenty years ago the valor of the soldiers
and sailors of France eXerted, according 10
the judgment of historians, the determn-
ing influence in making this country a free
and independent country, and because or
that France must always occupy cher
ished place in our hearts. Mr.. Ambassa-
dor, l thank you personally for the cour-
tesy which has been extended to me. 1t
has been a source or valued information 10
be permitted to see and inspect this splen-
did French vessel, and 1 have been duly
impressed by its superior mechanism and
by the superior physique and discipline of
your men. / am sure L speak for the
American navy when l say ii has been
source of pleasure that such a splendid
specimen of French naval architecture
the GauIois has visited our shores on such
a friendly mission, and in its name thank
you. Let me, on behalf of all the people
of the United States, and with the certain
conviction that | have expressed their SEN
timents, drink 10 the health of President
Loubet and to the continued prosperity of
the mighty nation of which he is Pres
ident'
General Brugere followed with felicitous
speech, concluding. with toast to the mem
cries of Rochambeau and Washington,
which was drunk standing, as were all the
toaSts.
Secretary of War Root delivered a brief
but happy address, in which he reminded
his hearers that the Gaulois then rested on
the same waters which washed the shores
of Yorktown. In conclusion he offered the
following pretty toast; drink TO the
army of France, ever faithful and gentle
in friendship, ever fearless and gallant in
war"
Admiral Fournier and Secretary of the
Navy Moody spoke next. Ambassador
again arising and dwelling upon the chival-
rous character of the American people.
II now propose toast" said he. ito Mrs
Roosevelt the first lady of the land,
proposition which elected a most enthusi-
astic response.
The company then arose and the Presi-
dent, accompanied by his daughter and
Secretaries Root and Moody and their
wives and Mrs. Lodge and a few others,
went to his launch, which was in waiting.
AS he proceeded 10 the Dolphin, which was
lying near by to take him TO Annapolis,
salute of twenty-one guns was fired. Inn
mediately thereafter another launch, con-
tanning General Miles, Governor Smith, Am
bassador to France Porter, General Corbin
and others left for the Standish, which
was to take them TO the Annapolis wharf.
AS the Standish steamed away the Gaulos
fired salute in honor of Governor Smith
and General Miles. President Roosevelt left
Annapolis on the 4:30 train for Washington.