The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-28

revert to the years preceding the revolu-
ton. Before the complaints of the col
onists became loud and impatient he was
an ardent and loyal imperialst. His ideal
was a firmly confederated union OF states
enjoying liberty and autonomy. He be-
lieved that a citizen of Boston or Phila-
delphia should enjoy precisely the same
rights and privileges as a citizen of Leeds
or Sheffield. When 1t was urged that in
time the colonies, by their growth, would
become the dominant half he answered.
Which is best, to have a total separa-
ton, or a change IN the seat of govern
ment? But after years of labor he could
only say: 1 do not find that l have
gained any point IN either country. eX-
eept that of rendering myself suspected
by my impartiality: in England of being
too much an American, and in America
of being too much an Englishman.
On the 10Th of September, 176 Frank
lin was elected by Congress one of three
commissioners TO France He arrived
In France on the Reprisal after
stormy passage beaten for thirty
days by November gales lie arrived in
Paris on the 22d of December Every
where Franklin was received with an
abundant cordality, respect and affection
for which history furnishes scarcely
parallel. Every word he uttered was
caught and pondered and remembered;
every action was studied and initiated.
He was the visible presence of the repub
lie. In him was the promise of better
days and the augury of a more for
tunate social order. The enthusiasm for
lie Grand Franklin became a passion;
became idolatry. He bore it all with COM
posture, his serenity was undisturbed by
flatterY. his confidence undaunted by dis
aster. He received the tidlngs of mis-
80 IL. 4 4naf Is.
cheer and confidence became the encour-
agement of America and the inspiration
of France. And when dark days came
for France, in the wild days of the Ter
ror and men despaired of everything,
they remembered the serenity of the great
American. Chaumont gave his house
freely to the ENJOYS and stripped himself
of his fortune to supply American neees-
stiles. So much the worse, said he, for
those who would not do the same If they
had the opportunity: much the better
for me to have immortalzed my house
by receiving into il Dr.. Franklin and his
associates.
Nine Years of Toll
Now began nine years of toll incredible,
of Notwithstanding disappontments, wor-
| ries innumerable, through all which
Franklin moved patiently, TRANQUILITY de-
llberately, emerging triumphantly at last
| to throw himself Into the arms of the
Due de Rochefoueauld, after signing the
| treaty of peace, exclaiming: My friend,
/ could | have hoped, at my age, to enjoy
such a happiness?
He accomplished the great work alone
His associates were much more in the
| nature of hindrances than helps The
only substantial aid came from France.
The treaty of Alliance gave dignity and
political Importance to the insurgents and
converted a rebellion into a revolution.
| 1t is certain beyond the possibility OF
| doubt or contention that the independence
Of America was won by the aid of France.
and 1t is equally certain that Franklin
| alone obtained or could obtain that aid
He turned the adulation with which he
was everywhere into perpetual benefit to
his country America can never forget the
fidelity and magnanimity of her ally. At
| ter a hundred years the mere memory of
the heroic friendship the unfalterng and
| answering loyalty of France, brings
pride Co the forehead and lustre to the
/ eye Frankln's love for France and the
| love of France for him forever must unite
the two nations that today lay upon his
grave wreath of deathless gratitude.
Permitted to Return Home.
In 1885 Congress accepted Frankln's
resignation and permitted him to return
home. He was old and feeble, distressed
with govt and tortured with stone. 1t
was not possible for him to go to YER
sailles for an audience Of leave One of
the queens letters was placed at his dis
posal by the Due de Coigny and at foot
pace they began the long journey to the
| coast.
THE leisure he had longed for was still
denied him. Immediately upon his return
to Philadelphia he was elected president