Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-11

cred the dedication address. Marshal
Joflre did not speak when he saw the
bronze relief of Lafayette he had I'M
covered but stood mutefy In salute. NJ.
Viviani said:
Lafayette did not only his duty to
America but also to France and he has
endeared America to France In this
hour when France stands in need of
help.
1--WE find all over America hearts
that throb with sympathy for France
and which are inspired by my eoun-
tryman. Lafayette"
M. IViviani was presented by H.
Pounds Of Brooklyn, with 10 thousand
francs, contributed to the Society for
French War Orphans for distribution
in France, and received as a personal
gift silver loving cup. which he said
he would place among his library
treasures Marshal Joffre was given a
silver dress sabre and other members
Of the war commission received ap-
propriate memorials.
Mayor Mitchell In his address said
the commission would leave the stat
ue assured that America was resolv-
ed to pay with blood the debt she owed
to France and Lafayette.
Germany has X always thought"
said NJ. Viviani. that by her heavy
might she could in1prison the hearts
and stunt the conscience Of humanity
and SO long as that doctrine of might
prevails, Germany can never offer us
conditions of peace that will be ac-
ceptable.
Eve will not make peace, we will
never make peace until we have had
given back to us that which is ours
Alsace and Lorraine. We are not fight
ing a selfish battle, We are not fighting
to triumph for ourselves-we who did
not seek this war-we are fighting for
civilization and for democracy"
Greet Jsffre
When Marshal Joffre arrived on the
North Meadow of Central park to re-
ceive the golden miniature of the Stat
ne of Liberty, the gift of the people
Of New York. through popular sub
seription raised by the New York
World 5000 school children waving
Tri-coler and the Stars and Stripes,
greeted the hero with great shout
An enormous crowd had gathered on
the meadow and joined in the demon
stration.
Mayor Mitchell presented Mr.. Joffre
with the little statue after paying a
glowing tribute to the distinguished
soldier.
A little girl dressed in a Zouave uni
form. standing close to Joffre shouted,
'Vive La France" The hero Of the
Marine heard her salutation, took her
in his arms and kissed her on both
cheeks. Then, turning to the mayor.
Marshal Joffre said in French:
Il am profoundly touched by the
remarkable souvenir which. with such
delicate attention, you offer me. Above
ALL | feel that value of this emblem
that comes to me from the common
people of America, from the people as
a whole. I thank you from the bottom
of my heart, and L ask you to thank
the people for this gift. which I shall
keep all my life, which I shall carry
to my home, which 1 shall have under
my eyes every day to remind me of
my love Of America and of what Am
erica has done for France. I shall treas
ure it for what it stands and for what
it means for as"
The public library was surrounded by
tremendous crowd while the reception
was in progress. Police estimated there
were 100000 persons in the streets roped
around the buildings inside were 5000
more French men and women. The greet
ing given the French ENJOYS by their
countrymen in New York was more heart
felt than demonstrative, but all the more
impressive. %
The reception lasted until nearly II
o'clock. Then Marshal Joffre accompa-
MED Gov. Whitman to the metropolitan
Opera house. NJ. Niviani, worn out by a
day filed with action, returned to the
Prick mansion.
When the marshal appeared in a box
at the opera house the great audience
rose with one accord and cheered him
tempestuously. for seven minutes while
he stood at salute. Then the great SOL
dier motoned to the crowd to be silent.
But at that moment the orchestra struck
up the Marseillaise and the audience took
up the strains.
Ladies and gentlemen" said the
marshal as the cheers finally died out,
IF the soldiers of my beloved country
could know of this great spontaneous
outburst of affection and patriotism on
the part of the people of this great
city, the would receive new inspira-
ton and stimulation. Their hearts
would be deeply stirred, as mine has
been tonight by this overwhelming evil
dence ofeyour support
Long life to the United States!
Long life to the city of New York."
FRENCH WIFI. PF