Arizona republican., 1921-09-07
TWO NATIONS CELEBRATE LAFAYETTE ANNIVERSARY
 AT TOMB OF WASHINGTON
rRepubIIcan A. p. Leased Wlrel

MOUNT VERNON, Va, Sept. c. Brave memories that have woven a fabric of liberty loving friendship around French and American heart strings were stirred anew today when men of the two nations gathered at the tomb of George Washington to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Lafayette and the first battle of the Marne. The ceremonies were un- der the auspices of the Lafayette Day National committee with James M. Beck, solicitor general of the United States, presiding. Messages of friend ship were read from Presidents Harding and Millerand, Marshal Joffre, victor of the Marne, Marshal Foch, General Pershing. Premier Briand and Secretaries Hughes and Denby.
 The presence of the Marine band and of French, American. British and other army and navy officers in uni- form lent an official air to the cele- bration. The journey from Washing ton was made by steamer and as the procession wound up over the quiet lawn to the tomb. the Lilies. of France and the French tri-color, car- ried by an American bluejacket and a khaki-cla soldier, headed the column flanked by American colors in the hands of French and American marines. At the tomb wreath was placed in the vault and the party went to the wide lawn to hear the addresses.
 No more fitting place for the cele- bration could be found, MT. Beck de- clared in his address than Mount Vernon whe.e still hovered the spirit of Washington.
 Greetings from American officials were read by Maurice Leon, of New York. while those from France were presented by Prince De Bearn, French charge.
 The main address was delivered by John H. Finley of New York
 This will forever be Lafayette s day he said.
 "W hat France did for America in the person of his youth, France has ! done for the world in her abiding spirit of youth"
 President Harding, who was unable ! to be present sent a message declar- | ing that America's indebtedness to | the French soldier was eternal and praising the "dauntless courage" oi American soldiers in the second battle | of the Marne Similar messages were sen; by Secretary of State Hughes and Myron T. Herrick, American am bassador to France.
 The presidents message said;
 'To General Lafayette in no smal measure the success of the revolu 1 tion was due. With no sordid mo tives. but fnflamed with ardent sym
 pathy and a passionate desire to hell | them, he espoused the cause of tn 1 struggling colonies and hastened t 1 their support. He sought no selfisl
 end and asked no pay; but found. hi
 reward in the thanks of congres and the undying affection of genera
 tions of American citizens who's l gratitude has been and always vii
 be itably shown on all appropriat
 occasions. Not only did he rende
 brilliant personal military service
 but through his instrumentality mucI
 needed financial assistance and re Inducements of troops were obtaine
 for the Americans. Our indebtedness | to him is eternal.
 Similarly, nearly one hundred an fifty years after. these United State.
 grown to a nation of more than on
 hundred million free men, women an
 children, disclaiming any materis
 advantages for themselves, ser
 armies of their youth and gave large
 ly of their wealth. that liberty an
 that freedom which Lafayette cher
 ished and espoused should be as
 sured to France. We are pleased {
 believe and we know that thes
 armies took no mean part in secuT
 ing that ultimate victory by whic
 the integrity of France and huma
 rights were preserved. By thei
 prowess, their dauntless courage, an
 their resolute valor. they checked tn
 German advance at Chateau Thierr 1 and Belleau wood in the second bat
 tie of the Marne and started ths
 memorable retreat of the Germa
 hordes which few months late
 ended in final defeat
 "The friendly and cordial relation which exist between the Unite States and France do not therefor rest upon mere sentimentality or se
 fish interests: but rather are the built on the firm foundation of his toric mutual service which cannC be shaken"
 | From President AIillerand of Franc came this message:
 | "In commemorating the double ar l niversarv of the birth of LaFayett l and of the battle of the Marne, Il | American people shows it's attacf | ment to the principles which hay l made it's independence"
 | Premier Briand sent the following | "In the schools of France the pag' l in which our history merges vii | yours are read to the children. The | learn therein the gratitude whiC l every FrenChman owes to the Amer l 1 can heroes who died at St. Miniel, ! Nn- aNa.r.. ~k.e.