Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-12-22

place In TINS country UnaL DreaCneS
greater variety of really interesting
patriotic national history than does the city
of Washington. Indeed. it seems that every
street and avenue and every nook and corner
contains good story of some national event or
of some national or international character who
lived here who made this city his temporary
home perhaps who just made it visit, as
have ever so many foreign dignitaries during
the 129 years this city has been the seat of
government
Only in the last decade have our allies in the
great World War sent to our shores and our city
their most noted statesmen and soldiers France,
its Marshal Foch, the supreme commander of
the allied armies; Marshal Joffre and, just
seven years ago-on December 4-that wonder
ful man-of- the-hour and statesman Georges
Clemenceau, who died only recently, but who
will live in the hearts of his countrymen for
generations to come
OF the visits made here by these distinguished
foreigners you are no doubt quite familiar,
but how insignificant we find them to have been
when compared with the visit made here in
1S24-25 by that most beloved of all Frenchmen,
Gen. Lafayette-Marie Jean Paul Roch Yres Gil
bert Motier, Marquis de Lafayette-to give him
his full name and title. Indeed, no visitor to
these United States of ours has ever been
ceived and entertained so fully, completely,
affectionatey and sincerely was upon that
occasion this great patriot and soldier, who left
behind him a young and devoted wife-whom
he had married when he was but ia baby
son. and even the comforts of royalty, to cast
his lot with the struggling Colonies in their
war for independence and American liberty.
WHEN Lafayette first came to this country
~ he was but 20 years of age and when he
returned the second time in 1924, he was an
old man with but 10 more years to live His
career in France was every bit notable as
1t proved to be in country-ever lighting
for the rights of the people; ever ready to par
take of the bitter with the sweet for the sake
of humanity. No wonder Lafayette was ac-
corded welcome here such as has never been
given any person since.
Eighteen hundred and twenty-four was the
last year of the administration of President
James Monroe. for he was to retire on the fol-
lowing March f. He was very DESTROYS of having
Lafayette visit this country before his term
expired and had written the general several
letters upon the subject, the last invitation
being Of such cordial and pressing character
that it could not easily be declined. Here is the
Presidents letter:
Washington City.
February oath, 1924.
My Dear General
I wrote you letter about Is days
since, by Mr.. Brown, in which expressed
the wish to send to any port in France
you should point out a frigate to convey
you hither, in case you should be able to
visit the United States Since then Con-
greSs has passed resolution on this sub
ject in which the sincere attachment of
the whole Nation to you is expressed
whose ardent desire is once more to see
you amongst them. The period at which
you may yield to this invitation is left
entirely at your option, but believe me,
whatever may be your decision, 1t will
be sufficient that you. should have the
goodness to inform me Of it, and imme-
diate orders will be given for Govern
ment vessel to proceed to any port you
will indicate and convey you thence to
ado tod a&wry0 rlN
which has always preserved the most
grateful recollection of your important
services. send you herewith the resolu-
ton of Congress- and add thereto the
assurance of my high consideration and
Of my sentiments of affection.
JAMES MONROE
Though accepting the invitation, yet Lafay-
cite declined the offer of Congress to send a
frigate to convey him across the Atlantic pre-
ferring to come here at his own expense
ON July 10, 1924, he embarked at Havre for
this country in the American merchant
ship Cadmus. Capt Francis Allyn command
ing, accompanied by his only son, George
Washington Lafayette, and his private secretary,
Col A. Levasseur The Cadmus reached New
York on August Is and on the following day he
was officially received. From that time on until
he left shores for France he was laviShly
entertained everywhere he went-and he went
everywhere.
AT Baltimore Lafayette went first ashore at
Fort McHenry, where he was soon taken to the
tent used by Gen. Washington during the War
of the American Revolution. Here he was pre-
scented by Gov. Stevens to the venerable Col
Howard, president of the Cincinnati of Mary
land, who addressed him with great emotion.
saying:
General: The few of your brother SOL
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