The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-10-02
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doubt tho engagement would have end.
ed in defeat OF the British instead
OF drawn battle. Never again until
the end Of tho war did Lafayette
have a chance to display such military
talent as he possessed. but he did
magnificent work for the American
cause, in Strengthening out the multi
tude of difficulties that developed be-
tween the American commanders and
the French o1ncers. He was the only
one who had the complete confidence
OF both French and Americans
In 1873 he returned to France and
was received with the utmost enthu-
siasm. The King. after nominally
ordering him arrested for "desertion."
sentenced him TO one weeks impris-
onment at his chateau, Nine. de La.
fayette to be his pailer. It was large
ly through Lafayettes influence thai
the big expedition under Rochambeau
was fitted out. Then Lafayette re-
turned to America. Congress passed
special resolution OF welcome. and
little later Lafayette was sent to
Virginia to command tho forces IN that
State. His operations in Virginia with
the poorly equipped and small body OF
troops he had control of have received
much attention Against Phillips,
against Arnold and against CORVALLIS
he showed fine soldierly qualities.
Never did he have enough men to
risk q general engagement, but his
defensive tactics were excellent. I'M
petuous he was. but he never was
led into FOLLY. and slowly. but surely.
he worked until CORVALLIS found It
prudent to intrench himself at York
town. 1t was then that Lafayette
proposed to Washington the hurryins
of the French fleet from Newport to
hem in CORVALLIS. In the Siege he
and Hamilton captured one redoubt
while the French captured the other.
After the surrender CORVALLIS, who
previously had referred to him con-
temtuously as a boy" had the SOL
dierly grace to apologize and express
admiration for his SKILL
Back to France went Lafayette after
the surrender. He considered the war
and delayed about the terms of peace
he busted himself organizing another
expedition. this one designed to attack
New York. About the time 1t was
ready to sail the treaty of peace was
signed and he dispatched the vessel
that brought the first news to Amer
lea.
Master of France.
In 1874 he came to the United States
to enjoy the spectacle of a nation free.
Then for the next three years he lived
az life of peace and ease In his beloved
France-tRe only three years Of ease
he was to know for many many years.
France was beginning that period Of
unrest that was 20 develop into one
OF the greatest convulsions in the
worlds history. A people long wronged
We're to throw off the shackles. It was
the opening of the Revolution. From
the start Lafayette was one Of the
in that gerce era chung so tenaciously
to the right, preserved SO perfect o
poise. exhibited SO courageous a spirit
and SO kind a heart as Lafayette. He
was the one map In whom King and
courtierf merchant and peasant had
perfect faith Corruption was rampant,
but he was incorrnptible. Nothing
could move him from what he believed
to be his duty. He took part in all
the deliberations when the throne was
trembling to Its fall.
In one thing he erred. and erred
previously. He had such fait in tho
he thought 1t would cure the ills OF
people. When the National Guard was
organized he was made commandments
chief. For three years he held cons
troll practically OF France. He advo-
Gated the principles of true republic
religious toleratior, freedom OF the
press, abolition of titles of mobility,
trial by jury. destruction of special
privilege, Many times his life was.
endangered Though weighted down
by a thousand cares, he followed the
straight course OF duty. Twice he
saved the King when mobs bent on.
besieged tho royal palace,
When the allies declared war against
France and began To Invade the coun.
try he .resigned command OF the Ma
tional Guard and took charge o. .ono
OF the three armies sent to the from
tier to meet the enemy. 1t was While
he was With the army that the pass
sions OF tho people passed all bounds,
Constitutional government gnvo way to-