Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-27
IN HONOR OF
BENZ. FRANKLIN
Notable Ceremonies in Paris
Today.
AT UNWILLING OF STATUE
Presented City by ]. H. Harjes,
American Banker.
DISTINGUIHED MEN PRESENT
Tribute to the Great Scholar and
Philosopher in Addresses-De-
scription of Memorial.
DISTINGUIHED MEN PRESENT

PARIS. April q, 2:30 p.m.-The Frank
lin celebration, preceding the unveiling to-
day of the statue of Benjamin Franklin.
presented to the city of Paris by John II.
Haries the American banker of this city,
was held in the palace of the Trocadero
this afternoon.
Today's ceremony began in the palace of
the Trocadero, and was continued later be-
fore the vast crowd massed in Trocadero
Square where the statue of Franklin over
looks the splendid esplanade and the ave
nues leading to the triumphal arch and
the Seine.
The great auditorium Of the Trocadero
had been handsomely decorated for the oc-
casion with the flags and emblems of
France and the United States intertwined.
The formal exercises were as follows:
The Program of Exercises.
Address by Ambassador Mccormick.
Grafton on Franklin by the delegate ap
pointed by the United States government,
Prof Albert Henry Smyth of the Boys
High School Philadelphia
Reply by the representative of the
French government, Minister of Public
The ceremony was then transferred to
the Trocadero Square. where the exercises
continued follows:
Presentation of the statue of Franklin
20 the city of Paris by Mr. Harjes.
Acceptance of the statue by NJ. Chau-
tard. president Of the municipal council of
Paris.
Ambassador McCormick's Address.
In opening the ceremony the American
Ambassador said: When my friend
and compatriot Mr.. John II. Harjes. es-
teemed at home and abroad, informed me
nf IN int IN az of ReD-
jamin Franklin to the city OF Paris, it
seemed 10 me that the occasion should be
seized upon for "A demonstration of that
warm friendship which exists between the
worlds two great republics and for which
Franklin so firmly laid the foundation. The
happy coincidence of the approach of the
hcenteuary of Franklin's birth opened the
way for US to broaden the unveiling cere-
monies into the fete which you have been
asked to honor with your presence
The spontaneous and hearty co-ope: alton
of the French government has given to this
fete the international character which
brings into relief that chapter in Franklin
life which belongs to France as well as to
the United States. and which / trust will
ever be held dear to the hearts Of citizens
of both countries. In every land through
out the civilized world days during the year
set apart to celebrate its advent into the
ranks OF Independent and sovereign states
as well as the birth of the great men whose
lofty character inspired the masses with
admiration and confidence. and whose firm
state through the stormy struggle for in
dependence. or of revolution against a ty-
rannical regime.
Practical Value of Celebrations.
These celebrations have their practical
value IN keeping the fires OF patriotism
alive with that love of country which in
spires the soldier to leave home and family
TO take up arms for the defense of its
honor and It's rights.
ION the initiation OF Frances ally. his
majesty, the emperor OF all the Russlas
The Hague tribunal established that
governments might have a court of arbi-
tration ready to their hand for the settle
ment of such differences could be sub
mitted to it. But today the voice of public
sentiment holds from impels govern
ments to action. ana that better acquaipt-
rance. that closer entente between peoples
which such international celebra tions as
this warm into life or keep alive makes as
never before for the cause OF general peace
and the well being of mankind.
THE President OF the United States has
already shown in the most practical form
and with notable success. MS desire to
contribute to this end. In appointing q
suitable person TO speak for the United
States on this occasion II was therefore his
purpose not only to celebrate the bicen-
tenary of Benjamin Franklin, and by this
Soint celebration link closer the ties chat
bind France to the United States, but with
that broader aim which has found It's
strongest international expression in the es-
tabliShmSnt OF The Hague tribunal.
I'm the selection OF a speaker for the
occasion IL at first thought that choice
be made from men In public life, but in tn,
end all else gave way before the eminent
qualifications OF the gentlemen who prompt
ly responded 10 the call of the president
60 perform the unique service which de.
wolves upon him today. His exhaustive
study of the life OF Franklin his enthus,
asm for the subject and his powers
speaker singled him out for this service.
have now the honor 10 present Mr.. Albert
Henry Smyth. special representative of tbs
United States for the Franklin bicentennia
celebration in Paris"
Mr.. smyth's Address.
Mr. Smyth said:
The story is told that at a certain exhibi
tlon OF historical portraits Thomas Carlyl,
was seen absorbed In the contemplation OF
picture OF Benjamin Franklin. A small
crowd attracted by curiosity gathered about
him. to whom the sage of Chelsea said as
he pointed 10 the portrait There is tn,
father of all the Yankees"
II would seem that Carlyle expressed IN,
sentiment and opinion of mankind; for upor
this two hundredth anniversary OF the birtt
of the greatest American the world ha,
united I'm spontaneous and splendid celebra.
public service
The history of the career OF Franklin i.
the story OF a struggle II is the record Of
a life that began In humble and obscure
surroundings and ended in splendor; IL con.
tains therefore the substance OF the tale:
that have chiefly fascinated >mankind
Every one is familiar with the incidents OF
his flight from Boston to Philadelphia where
on a Sunday morning. he walked the quie
streets of the sober city-a ridiculous figure
munchlng his roli-how he found shelter tht
first night In the strange city at the ole
Crooked Billet IN Water street
The strange mutations OF lifel Thi.
vagrant. adventurous lad. ragged, travel.
stained. awkward. his pockets stuffed ou,
with shirts and stockings. and a Dutch dol
lar his whole stock OF cash-ths humble
soap-boilers son was destined to becom.
the most conspicuous and admired hgur,