The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-06-06
CEREMONY IN FRISCO
FRENCH GOVERNMENT PRESENTS
GOLD. MEDAL.
Ambassador Jusserand Delivered to
Mayor Taylor q Splendid Token
OF the Esteem Of His
PeOple.

People.
San Francisco, CAL. June 5.-Anoth-
er manifestation of the historic good
feeling between France and the
United States was expressed today
when Ambassador Jusserand, on be-
half of the French government, pre-
scented to the city of San Francisco.
a handsome gold medal. commence
rative of the restoration of the city
from the destruction wrought by the
earthquake and fire of 1906.
The exercises took place In the
Orpheum Building, beginning at half
past 10 o'clock this morning. The
medal was accepted by the mayor of
the city. who responded fittingly TO
the tribute OF the French nation.
Impressive as was the medal itself.
the manner and words in which the
French Ambassador presented It in
creased many fold the lesson OF the
day. That the feeling OF the repre-
for her sister republic In the West
was refrigerated by the citizens of
San Francisco was evidenced by the
applause that greeted the ambassa-
doris closing remarks.
Accept this gift, Mr.. Mayor" he
said, and receive 1t you all. Ameri-
can citizens, in token that what once
was. still In: that we, French, con-
tinue, as OF old. to feel with you in
your moments of happiness or Of an
guish. and IL may be permitted to
appropriate the words of Mr.. Elihu
Root. let me say In my turn. that we
have In France a feeling for Ameri-
ca: and q sentiment. enduring among
people. Is a great ana substantial
fact to be reckoned with Long live
your city, and may continuous pros
perity be the lot of the American ma
tion."
In explaining the origin OF the idea
to present the medal to the city, the
ambassador reviewed the continued
intimacy Of the two nations. "Since
the early days of American independ-
ence. no great event has happened In
this country without awakening n
friendly echo In distant France" he
said. He told OF the many expressions
OF regard. given by both France and
by America to the other, finally COM
ing down to the time three years ago
when the United States presented to
France q medal commemorative OF the
war in which the European nation re-
ceived Franklin when he came to tell
the woes OF the struggling thirteen
States.
On the day of the presentation of
the medal detailed news of the dfs-
0ShCk tAlAb hthu DCA1AACu c1u " kaHCicCO
was lacking. Mr.. Jusserand said that
as he rose to accept the medal. the
thought flashed through his mind that
the next token of friendship between
the two nations might commemorate
the resurrection of the city.
when had thus spoken, on the
goth of April. 1906. we knew but very
imperfectly, in the East, what was
happening In the West, but ! knew
Va1l ha ~ IN
any doubt as to what fight against
adversely your shores were then see-
Ing. and as to what resurrection they
would see later. The past life Of q
city. where pluck, energy, fearless
ness are more common than even gold
in her banks. supplied the decision.
All behaved as men and women on
heart and honor. The page written
by the Inhabitants of San Francisco
on the moving ashes of their dead city
Is not one that any wind will ever
sweep away"
Mr.. Jusserand explained that the
sentiments ne expressed upon the pre-
sentation OF the Franklin medal were
so well In accord with the French
republic and San Francisco had been
SO quickly resurrected that a medal
had been struck by his government
and he had been ordered 90 cross the
continent to present IT. & o.
This work. Of which one single
copy In gold has been made" contin-
ued the ambassador, "is destined to
the American people and the town OF
San Francisco One SIDE emblemat-
ically shows your city rising from her
tomb. and, powerful and handsome az
ever throwing OFF her shroud; on the,
other side the figure of France is seen
presenting a branch OF laurel to
America"
Responding to the ambassadors adj
dress, Mayor Taylor expressed In be-
half of the city his grateful apprecia-
ton of the French governments gift,
alluded TO the historic friendship of the
two republics and in conclusion said:
San Francisco begs you will assure
your government that 1t Is in no per-
functory spirit she receives this med
al, but with a spirit of gratefulness.
and. Indeed, OF exu1tation that so great
country as yours should deem our
city worthy of its especial regard and
favor. At the same time we cannot but
realize that while this medal Is given
to our city, 1t Is In large measure n
gift to the people of the United States
and truly eymbolizes that warm and
enduring friendship which has for so
long a time existed between your
country and NINE"
The beautiful play house recently
COutplCtSO vi kAC BltC Va tttO OAu tuCatAt
which had been destroyed by the great
fire was thrown open to the public ami
when the strains OF the overture from
"Robespierre" died away and M. Jus
serand was introduced, the house was
crowded. There was a large represen-
tation in the French colony and the
boxes were filed with leaders in So
cial and Official circles.
Following the ambassadors speech Of
nresentation the '.Marsellafsep was
rendered by the orchestra and the APP
plause was prolonged until Mayor Tay-
lor began his reply OF thanks Tho
ceremony was concluded to the inspir-
ing music Of the Star Spangled Ban
ner."
In the afternoon the ambassador and
Nine. Jusserand were driven about the
city in automobiles and later enjoyed
an outing on the bay.
An official banquet was given to-
night.
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