With true appreciation of what is due to America in the fame of La Fayette,
the French authorities and the family of La Fayette expressed an earnest
desire that the representative of the United States should be associated
with this public tribute to his memory. In response to a most flattering
invitation from the prefect of the department, the mayor of Le Puy, and
Senator Edmond de La Fayette, the only one now bearing that illustrious
name, I esteemed it a duty as well as a pleasure to attend the ceremonies
connected with the unveiling of the statue, which were performed with
fitting solemnity in presence of high functionaries of the French
Government, of living representatives of the family of La Fayette, and of a
large concourse of people, including quite a number of distinguished
Americans.
I venture to send herewith extracts from newspapers * * * giving a full
account of the speeches made at Le Puy, and of interesting incidents of the
day.
You will notice with gratification, I am sure, that the whole proceedings
evinced in the most flattering manner the existence of a strong and true
feeling of good will and amity between France and the United States. The
French speakers were particularly emphatic in their expression of friendship
for our country and Government, and of admiration for our institutions.
These sentiments were expressed not only by those who took part in the Le
Puy proceedings: the unveiling of the statue was the occasion of a general
expression of the warmest feelings of friendship for our Government and
people. Papers of all grades and political opinions have united in bestowing
upon our country and political system the most flattering eulogies, and in
rejoicing over the faithful and happy relations which have so long existed
between the two nations. * * * I am satisfied that in the opinion of the
masses, as well as in the belief of the Government, the United States is
looked upon as the best and most reliable friend of France, the only one
from whom she has nothing to fear, and perhaps also the only one in whose
footsteps she is inclined to follow.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 403.—From Morning News,
Paris, September 7.]
Mr. Morton’s speech at the unveiling of the
statue.
The Hon. L. P. Morton, who was frequently applauded, then spoke as
follows:
Monsieur le Maire and Gentlemen: I accepted as
a privilege and a duty the invitation with which I was honored by the
department of the Haute-Loire and the town of Le Puy to be present on
this occasion and to assist in the ceremonies connected with the
inauguration of a statue of General La Fayette.
I claim for my country, to whom he rendered such inestimable services, a
full share in the inheritance of his fame, and I rejoice as its
representative to unite on this occasion with the distinguished members
of the Government and with the descendants and countrymen of La Fayette
in this tribute to his memory.
I am happy to express to you the devoted and sympathetic interest of my
Government, and the grateful affection of the citizens of the United
States, for the illustrious patriot who, next to Washington, of all the
heroes of the Revolution, awakens in American hearts the deepest
sympathy and gratitude. And what is it that has won for him the honor,
gratitude, and affection of my countrymen? I answer, the principles
which directed his public life, the invaluable services which he
rendered my country in the hour of her greatest trial. It was his love
of liberty which led him, a youth of nineteen years, to embrace the
cause of American independence, and inspired him to say, “When I first
heard the news of the struggle, my heart leaped to your cause with
enthusiastic sympathy.”
And what is it that gives to La Fayette his spotless fame? I answer, his
unfaltering devotion to constitutional freedom; for always, whether in
the days of the monarchy, the empire, or the republic, he was ever the
consistent advocate of the supremacy of the law; ever demanding that
liberty should be defined and protected by chartered rights. His love of
liberty was a part of his very being—the inspiration of his life.
This life-like statue—one of the triumphs of art—around which we are now
assembled, will recall to generations yet unborn the great services
which he rendered to the sacred cause of constitutional liberty. More
than a century has passed since La Fayette enlisted in the war of
American independence, devoting to it his fortune, influence, and
life.
Would that he could this day rise from his grave and look upon the
marvelous results of the work which he and his countrymen took so great
a part in preparing. Would that he could hear the words of respect and
gratitude which greet his memory to-day. Would that he could look out
and see that the two countries which he loved and served so well were
nevermore closely united in sympathy and good-will than on this day,
when the citizens of both are here engaged in inaugurating a statue to
perpetuate his memory.
Only a few weeks have passed since more than 10,000 people assembled at
Burlington, in my native State, to inaugurate a statue of La Fayette,
and relay the cornerstone of the University of the State of Vermont,
which was originally laid by the illustrious general during his visit to
the United States in 1825. Among those present were the governor of the
State, all the living ex-governors, the president, faculty, and trustees
of the university, battalions of United States troops, of the National
Guard of the State, and of the Grand Army of the Republic.
We have assembled to-day for a similar purpose, near the birthplace of La
Fayette, and I esteem it a great privilege to stand in the presence of,
and feel that I may claim, both for my country and personally, the
friendship of the grandson—your distinguished Senator—M. Edmond de La
Fayette, and other descendants of the great patriot and soldier.
I will not attempt to even sketch the eventful life and distinguished
services La Fayette rendered to his native land, or to the nation he
sacrificed so much to serve; they form an important part of the history
of France and of the United States during their struggle for
independence. I may, however, repeat the prophetic words he uttered to a
committee of the American Congress, appointed to present him, upon his
return to France, with a letter addressed to the King, expressive of
their high appreciation of the services he had rendered, when he said,
“May this immense Temple of Freedom ever stand, a lesson to oppressors,
an example to the oppressed, a sanctuary for the rights of mankind! and
may these happy United States attain that complete splendor and
prosperity which will illustrate the blessings of their Government, and
for ages to come rejoice the departed souls of its founders.”
The founders of this Temple of Freedom have long since seen the last of
earth, but the Temple they raised still stands in all its matchless
proportions, a beacon light to the oppressed, a sanctuary for the rights
of mankind, and we live to withess the realization of his prayer and
prophetic words.
General La Fayette made two visits to the United States as the guest of
the nation after the War of Independence—the first time during the life
of Washington, his warm [Page 279]
personal friend and companion in victory and defeat, and again in 1824.
His reception by the Government and the people was on both occasions a
continual ovation from the time of his arrival to that of his departure.
His name is a household word from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and will
be for all time imperishably associated with that of Washington, the
grandest character in American history.
May the friendship formed on the field and in the camp between Washington
and La Fayette—typical representatives of the grand qualities of the
French and American citizen-soldier—remain unbroken between the two
great Republics until the end of time.
[Inclosure 3 in No. 403.—Translated from La
Haute-Loire of September 8, 1883.]
Senator La Fayette’s toast at the
banquet.
Mr. E. de La Fayette proposed in the following terms a toast to the
United States and the President of the great American Republic:
“My Dear Fellow-Townsmen: I claimed the
honor to propose a toast to the President of the United States,
to Mr. Morton, representative of the Republic, and to his
fellow-countrymen present at this banquet.
“In proposing this toast I only pay a debt of gratitude towards
that country which has never ceased to give proof, in every
circumstance, of its respect and of its sympathies for the name
of La Fayette.
“The echo of this great fete, you may be sure, my dear
fellow-townsmen, will resound in all American hearts to-day,
more than ever, when the two people, having fought in the past
on the same battle-fields for the cause of American
independence, find themselves, at the present day, united by the
ties of a community of republican institutions.
“Let Mr. Morton and his countrymen be welcomed amongst us; they
will retain, I am convinced, the best souvenir of your
hospitality. You have shown them by your cordial reception that,
while doing honor to the memory of La Fayette, you will not
forget that he was the friend and brother-in-arms of their
immortal Washington.
“To Mr. Morton and his fellow-countrymen! A hearty welcome to Mr.
Morton and his fellow-countrymen! To Mr. Morton, citizen of New
York, minister of the American Republic, and to the President of
the United States!”
This toast was greeted by enthusiastic cheers for the American
representation, clapping of hands follows, table napkins are waved in
the air—”Hip, hip, hurrah!”
[Inclosure 4 in No. 403.—Extract from the
Morning News.]
Mr. Morton’s reply.
The principal speech of the evening was made by Mr. Morton, who, replying
to the toast of “The President of the United States,” felicitously
proposed by Senator La Fayette, said:
“Monsieur le Maire, Messieurs: The warm
and enthusiastic reception which you have given to the toast in
honor of the President of the United States almost leads me to
believe that the department of the Haute-Loire is one of the
States of the American Union. As General La Fayette was one of
the founders of the American Republic, we claim his descendants
as adopted citizens of the country with which his name will
always be associated, and when the department of his birth
knocks at the door of the American Congress for admission, she
will be received with open arms, with your distinguished Senator
as a member of the United States Senate.
“It is, indeed, a great pleasure for Americans to meet the
descendants and fellow-townsmen of La Fayette near his
birthplace, and I shall always feel deeply grateful for your
cordial welcome, all your generous hospitality, and the
opportunity which you have given me and my countrymen of joining
with you in doing honor to his memory. Our visit to this
beautiful department of France has been one of unalloyed
enjoyment, and the many evidences of your affection for and
interest in our country will long be remembered with great
pleasure.
“If your Senator, the grandson of General La Fayette, will visit
the United States, I will promise him that he will be welcomed
as warmly as his illustrious ancestor, and by none more warmly
than by my charming countrywomen; and it will only be from a
lack of courage on his part if a lifelong alliance is not then
and there formed between the descendants of La Fayette and
Washington.
“I drink to the health of the president of the council-general
and Senator of the department of the Haute-Loire, who honors and
dignities the name he bears—Edmond de La Fayette.”
