Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-08-19
JAMES MANN SPOKESMAN
OF STATES MISSION
Chairman Of Body Selected by tins
Last Legislature Of the old Oomin-
ion Pays Glowing Tribute in His
Address 20 Frenchmen Who AiGed
AmSrica's Struggle for Liberty.

(By Associated Press>
PARIS, FRANCE. Aug. .1s.-"The
erandose name in all the history OF
Americaiis that of George Washington
and the history of all the nations
gives us none that is grander. said
James Mann. chairman of the Vir-
ginia commission, in the course of
his address at Versailles today in pre-
senting to che people of France on be-
half of Virginia 4 bronze copy OF
Houdon's statue of Washington. The
original of the statue stands in the
State capitol at Richmond.
Mr. Mann recounted the splendid
deeds OF the fathers of his country
both in war and in peace and pad
fitting tribute to the illustrious
Frenchmen who aided America in its
struggle for Liberty We remember
always" he said. that but for the AID
of France success, could not have
crowned the efforts of Washington iii
our revolutionary war Ii is because
Virginians remember these things and
remembering them, love the people OF
France, that We have come in their
name as the bearers Of this token OF
their affection"
The statue was accepted in behalf
OF the French government by VI.
Pinchon, secretary OF foreign affairs.
Frances Beautiful Thought.
1.-The graciousness with which the
gift of this statue has been received"
said Mr.. Mann, "has added to the
pleasure Virginia has felt in sending
her best loved son to stand on the
soil of France. amid the only allies
'o..nsive and defensive America mas
ever had. II was beautiful tnoHgh-
that prompted the people OF france 10
place on the right of this statue OF
Washington the bust of Lafayette. nrs
most trusted lieutenant and dearest
friend. and on his left Suffren. the
gallant commander of the redOubtable
fantasque. who dealt such telling
blows TO the British ships upon our
coast and later. by his bravery. won
for himself the high honor of being
the admiral of France. II is indeed
fitting that there should be placed
within the pedestal as a part of his
support the names and records of the
AZ .9S9 brave French soldiers VINO
/ ftdut IOrSlU4t Alt ACA
ton of the war and thereby entitled
Washington TO stand upon that high
pinnacle of fame which history &c
cords only to the victorious. Ills
spirit. as it hOvers here ABOVE his
statue, must indeed feel that he stands
IT, the midst of his friends"
Where Peace Treaty Was Signed
Mr.. Mann referred to The fact. that
II was within the very walls within.
which he stood and where the statue
had been placed that on September 3.
1888. was signed the treaty peace be-
tween Great Britain anG the United
States. "fhis is ineed the birthplace
o: our nation" he said. "and we have
come in grateful recognition OF TIE
splendid part that France took IN the
accomplishment Of our freedom. 20
place within these sacred walls the
statue Of the Father Of His Coun-
try
Speaking Of Washington. Mr.. Mann
said:
Grand as he was in war. nc was
gTander still in peace and to him
above all others IS due tae =Gop;ion o.
the constitution. which welded the
states together into that form Of gov
eminent which became fac pattern ..
future republics. Courteous and court
IL TO all men. a tender affection char
acterizcd his intercourse with bis
friends. Lafayette's heart went our
10 him in filial love: ROchambes-
held him a. a dearly beloved brother
in arms: de- Grassc admired him and
vas glad 10 call him friend. Chastei-
lux declared him 10 be the greatest
and best Of all men while his owl
toplc with one accord have procsa-m-
n him FIRST in var. first In peace.
ais first IN the hearts Of his country
men.
n glowing terms. Nr. Mann referred
10 Lafayette and tho affccionafc re-
gard in which Americans hold h
memory.
Tribute % Frcrchnsn.
80 name in ali the history n our
revolutionary period. save only that
~ Washington said Mr.. Mann is
~ Gear ~ the American people a.
thai n the gallant young Frcnchmar.
who before hc had reached The arc
nj twenty became q major general IN
The army ~ me United States. ha,-
.nr frudcrrd bis services a. a voiun.
ter without pension or allowance.
Eefors nc constitution VS. adopted
LAFAYETTE had bel. BY legislative aci