The New York herald., 1921-04-24

thousand or more mere civilians barred
their devoted heads 10 the downpour.
The remainder OF the celebration
mercifully was held In the Aldermanic
chamber while the statue and its guard
remained outside Ben did not mind
tire streams that tyicSled adown his
bronze locks; Ne was ever a hardy
soul. In the hall above his polished
head the flags were grouped in front
of The dais and then the Mayor and
tho dlgnitaries OF army and navy led
into the chamber the patriotic de'e-
cations.
Leu by the band and BY the choir
boys of the Church Of the Heavenly
Rest, the throng sang The star
Spangled Banner and the invocation
then was pronounced BY the Rev. Jo-
seph Fort Newton. y. n. pastor pr
the Church of the Divine Paternity and
chaplain Of the Empire state Society,
sons Of the American Revolution soL
Henry w. SacSett, chairman % the
committee OF arrangements, presented
as the presiding officer Brig 'ien.
Oliver x. Bridgman. president of the
New York Chapter sons Of the Ameri-
can Revolution.
Mayor Hylnn's speech.
Gen. Brldgman presented Mayor
Hylan, who said in part: 1T IS almost
impossible to do justice 10 the rema rk-
able versatility Of the genius Of Benja-
min Franklin. The Victories whlch he
achieved as statesman and diploma tst
In England. France and America were
hardly less important than the milf
tary victories of Washington on the
battlefield. As philosopher, scientist
and inventor he ranked amon, the
q -. -,
Other speakers were Col Louis Amin
the American Revolution, who spoke for
America Castor Liebert. Consul Cen
eral Of France. who represented the
sister Republic: Rear Admiral II. NJ. F.
Huse, II. S. NJ, commanding the Third
Naval District Ma aior-Gen. Robert Lee
Bullard. Y. 5. A., commanding the Sec
ond Corps area /; Brig.-Gen. William
Weigel. r.. S A., chief Of sta'f. Second
Corps area Marcel Knecht, on France
and Amerca," and Edward Hagaman
Hall who made brief general review
Of Franklins life and attainments.
NJ. Liehert said there are two names
revered by all school children in France
those Of Washington and Franklin
Poor Richard" became a great diplo-
matist, he thought, because he was 50
great ~ philosopher anu Ildu iIliGltl ~
the psychology OF human nature. The
names Of Franklin and Lafayette, he
said. have so strengthened the ties be-
tween France and America that what
ever may happen in the future the two
republics viii be found tied up as friend;
and as the champions or freedom and
independence.
Rear Admiral Huse described Frank
Inns naval achievements in recruiting II
France privateers to prey upon British
commerce He slIetched the gallant
story OF the Bonhomme Richard tn,
fighting ship named for Ben ana com.
manded by John Paul Jones wnen he
captured the Scraps after scorning I'll,
British captains demand that he sur
render with the immortal retort Il hav,
not yet begun TO fight I"
NJ. Knecht compiimented Myron I
Herrlck Amhassador-elec to France
In sending him back again to his be.
/ loved Paris" he said. you are sending
one who has endeared himself TO US al
another Franklin"
After the indoor ceremonies wreaths
were placed upon the statue by NJ
Licbert for France and by FRANKLIN
Bachc Huntington. great-great-great.
grandson OF Benjamin Franklin, for the
Sons OF the American Revolution. Th,
bronze will remain in this city severa
days before leaving FOR Boston II vii
be the centre tomorrow in Prospec
Park. Brooklyn, OF rally of the CamT
Fire Girls.