Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-14
VIVIANI VISITS BOSTON
Continued from Page One)

America" and "one- Of the most com
manding figures in the life of his own
country-France." He referred to the
| important part that statesmen play in
the councils of war and congratulated
France upon having such an important
and impressive parsonage to represent
it in this country.
NJ. Viviani was profoundly touched
when Charles H. Leland. grandson of
| Samuel Carr ne of the library trustees,
presented him with a memorial stating
that more than $4,000 had been raised
| in this State for the fatherless children
| of France and that the children of the
state had contributed heavily to this
fund. The Marseillaise and The Star
! Spangled Banner were sung during the
! exercises at the library
After leaving the library, members OF
the mission paid short visit to the
| headquarters of the American fund for
French relief. M. Viviani expressed
his sincere thanks for their assistance
and assured them that he voiced the
gratitude of the soldiers and women
| Of France as well
| The party next paid a short visit to
the Peter Brent Brigham hospital.
| where they viewed the work of the
surgical dressings committee. After
leaving the hospital a speedy trip was
made to Cambridge. where M. Viviani
made formal call at the home of
| President A. Lawrence Lowell of Har-
vard University. He expressed regret
at being unable to be at the university
yesterday to receive the honorary de-
gree which was to have been con-
ferred upon him.
The visitors were then driven
through the Harvard yard to the Wild
ener Memorial library. President Low
ell and members Of the faculty es-
corted the guests through that 'struc-
ture, Mr. Viyiani and his colleagues
seemed greatly impressed with the
thousands of books devoted to French
history and literature and passed
much time in their examination of
them. After leaving the university
members of the mission returned 10
the Sears residence to obtain a little
rest before attending the reception and
dinner at the Boston City Club, the
final event on the days program.
Marquis de Chambrun. accompanied
by Mayor Curley, went to the nome
spects, but the prelate was absent and
the visitors left after leaving their
cards.
The day for the visitors closed with
reception and dinner at the City
Club and an address in the great au-
ditorium by M. Viviani, which evok-
ed such a demonstra ton that the
Frenchman declared would be one of
Ia y>1n ere, 90 1t
sion to America. Encouraged evident
ly by the realization that a very large
per cent. Of his 1000 auditors followed
his French without difficulty, the
French statesman spoke for nearly an
hour and according to those who had
Travelled with him gave unusual rein
to his power of oratory
An Amusing Incident
The City Club established two prece-
dents, 1t dined guest on Sunday and
the audience stood on their feet
through his address. The only smile
that lightened the grace of the orator
broke when at the conclusion of his
address the presiding officer called for
rising vote of thanks" When the
laughter had ceased, a show of hands
his hearers in several instances inter-
rupted the speaker with applause and
cheers that continued for several min
utes.
Americas Democracy
M. Viviani at first covered the
ground that he had already gone over
in his speech at the public library.
Then, seemingly inspired by the occa-
sion. he went on:
I'm this city foremost in learning of
American cities, I find a democracy
unknown in France. The City Club
represents a democracy unknown in
Europe. 1t represents all professions
all phases of social life. Eligibility de-
pends only on character. efficiency and
capacity for citizenship. 1 pray fer
vently that this democracy may over
spread Europe. This is one of the
great gifts that America will give to
France and it Is for democracy that
you will fight. In joining France in
this war, the United States will not be
paying debt. Lafayette did not come
to these shores to help young America.
He came to promote democracy and
liberty and you are coming to us in
France, not SO much to help our al
lies. as to help make the world what
II ought to be. The sword of the Unit
ed States has been drawn not alone
to help France but to help and more
securely establish democracy"
Carrying further his thought of democ-
Tacy, the speaker pointing to the Stara