The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-22
GIFT FROM FRANCE
TO UNITED STATES
Another Imposing Testimonial
of That Nations Friend
ship.
PUBLIC WILL RAISE FUNDS
Bronze Bust of LA France" to
Be Placed on Champlaih
Statue.
PUBLIC WILL RAISE FUNDS

Paris. December a1.-FTance is ar
ranging another imposing testimonial
OF her friendship for tho United Statcs.
Tomorrow public subscription is to
De opened to offer a bronze bust of
La France" BY tho illuBtrious French
sculptor. Augusta Rodin, which Will
BIO placed at the base Of the monument
to be dedicated next June to Samuel
De ehamplain. the French navigator.
explorer and discovcrer of tho lake
that bears his name.
Like the gift from the people of
France OF Barthoidi's statue Of lib
erty, the presentation of La France"
which is the figure OF Il woman, marks
historically another epoch in the rela-
tons of fraternity between France and
the United States OF America.
President Fallieres Will head the list
OF subscribers. and Will be followed
by Foreign Minister Justin de Selves,
Ambassador Jules Jusserand. Gabriel
Hanotaux. president of tho Franco
American commission for the develop
ment of political, economic. literary and
artistic relations. and Count De no
chambeau.
The initiative OF tho movement en-
unated with Ambassador Jusserand. In
accord with the French Foreign or
lice, but IS ii was wished TO have a
public rather than a governmental tes.
timonial. the Franco-American COM
inittee was requested to assume the
direction.
An appeal TO the public for subscrip-
. lions Will appear In the newspapers
Tomorrow. This will indicate that
France Is deeply touched by the ;hs-
Guent manifestations of American
friendship for this country through the
dedication of statues OF Frenchmen IN
America.
The approaching Qualification OF
Champlain. who conceived a vast pro-
jcct OF o French America from Canada
to Louisiana. on which later the great
American republic was developed. IL
admirably Quilted TO eXpross tho warmth
OF French affection.
Selection of "La France."
Gabriel Hapotaux Will relate to-
morrow In the Figaro tho Interesting
story of how AusuBte Robins La
France" happened TO be selected. lie
says the committee was at a loss to
know Just what Offering TO send to
America which would hermonize with
the Imposing architecture Of the
Cnamplein monument II finally do.
clded that the Offering must be Il true
jewel. The members FIRST visited the
studio OF Augustc Rodin, because he is
popular in America, and walked
through tho various salons. Suddenly
they discovered tho bronze La France "
The writer continues: Imagine our
emotion. We sought symbol and we
found France hersclf-a pretty France
full OF grace. vivacity and courage. a
young French woman. with a frank
and loyal regard. young woman who
Is Il replica OF our Clotildes, Henr!ettes
slanches and Jeannes. Her hair is ar
ranged like helmet. and her attire is
cuirass. We sought a French thought
and we found an image OF France her-
self"
Tho bust will be mounted on mar
bic base. with u marble representation
or the American and French nags Ii
VIII DC presented by special dolcga
ton Of Frenchmen. including members
Of the Franco american COMMITTEES