New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-04-30
Homage to Washington

Homage to Washington
NJ. Viviani said:
"We could not remain longer In
Washington without accomplishing this
pious pilgrimage. In this spot lies all
that is mortal Of great hero. Close
by this spot is the modest abode where
Washington rested after the tremen-
deus labor Of achieving for nation
its emancipation. In this spot meet the
admiration Of the whole world and the
veneration of the American people. In
this spot rise before US the glorious
memories left by the soldiers Of France
led by Rochambeau and Lafayette. A
descendant of the latter, my friend, NJ.
de Chambrun, accompanies us. And
esteem il a supreme honor, as we'll as
a satisfaction for my conscience, to be
enabled to render this homage to our
ancestors in the presence Of my col
league and friend, Mr.. Balfour, who so
nobly represents his great nation. By
thus coming to lay here the respectful
tribute of every English mind he shows,
in this historic moment Of communion
which France has willed, what nations
that live for liberty can do.
when we contemplate in the distant
past the luminous presence Of Wash
ington. in nearer times the majestic fig
IRE of Abraham Lincoln; when we re-
snectfully salute President Wilson, the
worthy heir Of these great memories,
we at one glance measure the vast ca
reer of the American people. 1t is be-
cause the American people proclaimed
and won for the nation the right to
govern itself, 1t is because it pro-
claimed and won the equality of all
men, that the free American people at
the hour marked by fate has been en-
abled with commanding force to carry
it's action beyond the seas; 1t is be-
cause it was resolved TO extend its ac-
tion still further that Congress vas en-
abled TO obtain within the space OF a
few days the vote of conscription and
TO proclaim the necessity for national
army in the full splendor of civil peace.
France Salutes Army
ain the name of France | salute the
Young army which will share IN our
common glory.
"While paying this supreme tribute
IN the memory of Washington | do not
diminish the effect of my words when
turn my thoughts to the memory OF so
many unnamed heroes. ! ask you be-
fore this tomb to bow in earnest medi-
tation and all the fervor OF piety be-
fore all the soldiers of the Allied ma
tions who for nearly three years have
teen fighting under different flags for
the same ideal. | beg you TO address
the homage of your hearts and souls to
all the heroes, born to live in happl-
ness. in the tranquil pursuit OF their
Iabors. in the enjoyment OF all human
affections. who went into battle with
yirile cheerfulness and gave themselves
up not to death alone. but to the eter-
nal silence that closes over those whose
sacrifice remains unnamed, IN the full
knowledge that. save for those who
loved them. their names would disap-
pear with their bodies. Iheir monu-
ment is in our hearts. Not the living
alone greet US here; the ranks OF the
dead themselves rise 20 surround the
soldiers Of liberty.
"At this solemn hour in the history
of the world, while saluting from this
sacred mound the final victory Of JUS
tice, send to the republic OF the Unit
cd States the greetings of the French
republic"
Balfour in Address
Then came forward Arthur James
Balfour, Foreign Secretary Of Great
Britain, who stood for a moment in
silence, overcome with all that the sit
uation meant TO the two Anglo-Saxon
countries. Mr.. Balfour abandoned his
decision not to speak
M Viviani," said MIR. Balfour has
expressed in most eloquent words the
feelings which grip US all here to-day.
He has not only paid fitting tribute