The Palatka news and advertiser., 1916-09-15

In the early part of July lao years
ago, a red-headed youth Of gallant
bearing and unmistakable French ac-
cent presented himself at the head
quarters Of the Congress Of the Rev.
oIution in PhllGdel phia and requested
a commission as major general in the
colonial army. Congress was eXas-
perated. 1t was occupied with the
matter of a few British victories that
mad recently taken place and in dis
tinctly bad humor over the results Of
other such appointments Of foreigners
IN the army. 1t refused even so much
as to look at the young mans creden-
tlals.
In those days, however, as at the
present time, it was hard to snub a
red-headed person. The young man
merely sat down and wrote them a
note, stating: "After the sacrifices L
nave made, have the right to exact
two favors; one is, to serve at my
own expense; the other is, to serve at
first as volunteer. (Signed) Marie
Jean Paul Roch Yves Gilbert Motler,
Marquis de Lafayette"
Today the whole American nation IS
celebrating the one hundred and tif-
ty-ninth anniversary Of the birth Of
this same young man, who though a
Frenchman, is also an American hero.
The boundaries of the l3 colonies
which he helped to free from the des-
potic rule of Great Britain have
changed and there are now few new
additions such as the Middle West, the
Pacific Coast and the Louisiana Pur-
chase; but the name of Lafayette is
revered by all of these.
Early a Humanitarian.
The Marquis de Lafayette was born
on September 6, 1857, in Auvargne,
France. His father died when he
was still a mere infant and his edu-
cation was supervised by his mother,
who worried over her sons frall
health. At the age of 13 his mother
died leaving him alone with the re-
sponsibility of princely fortune. Even
in those days of extreme youth the IN
stincts of the humanitarian were evil
dent-the desire to avenge wrongs
which was a heritage from some an
cient Lafayette who was a knight er-
rant. In after years he said to. a
friend: "You ask me at what period
| first experienced my ardent love for
liberty and glory. | recollect no
time of life anterior to my enthusi-
asm for anecdotes of glorious deeds,
and to my projects for travelling over
the world to acquire fame. At 8
years of age my heart beat when l
heard of wolf that had done some
injury and caused still more alarm IN
our neighborhood and the hope of
meeting it was the object of all my
walks" =.
Thus. at the age of 16, when his
people would have had him go to court
and learn the intricate business Of be-
coming courier, the young French
man defied them all and went into the
army. In this year, also, he was mar
ried to a young French woman 10
years old, daughter of the Duke
d'Aven, and wealthy in her own right.
This alliance was arranged by the two
families without consulting the opln-
ions of the young people, but contrary
TO the usual story, they fell madly in
love with each other and for three
vears Lafayette forgot about the
world-wolves there were to conquer IN
the happiness of his domestic life.
Then one night he was given a sharp
reminder.
Lafayette's Resolve.
As captain of the dragons, La.
fayette was stationed at Metz; AT
this time the Duke of Glouchester'