these useful lives. We are proud that among them one of the most
glorious was that of our fellow-countryman—Champlain. We thank you
for cherishing his memory.
And it is to show that France herself joins in these sentiments
that we are come here, in such numbers, to bring you for the
Champlain monument, erected by the States of New York and Vermont,
a bust born of the genius of our illustrious fellow-countryman
Rodin, an image of that which we hold most dear: France.
In the mighty structure of American civilization there is something
of France—allow us to believe gentlemen that you will not forget
it—and on the monument you are erecting this image will remain
forever sealed to recall and symbolize that fact. This image we
give to you as Champlain, our fellow-countryman, gave the best of
his life to this land of yours. We give it to the United States,
we give it to the States of New York and Vermont, the builders
of the lighthouse rising upon the shores of the lake which bears
Champlain’s name; we give it to these Commissions which have so
graciously invited us here; we give it to all the friends of France
in America.
I raise my glass, gentlemen, to the Lake Champlain Association and
the Tercentenary Commissions, and I drink to the imperishable and
brotherly union of our two countries: France and America. (Long
applause.)
President Finley then presented M. Louis Barthou, who was not on the
programme, but who made a most favorable impression on all who had
the good fortune to meet him and listen to his charming eloquence.
His glowing and felicitous tribute was listened to with rapt
attention. Unfortunately his address was not reported and no copy has
been obtainable, much to the regret of all who have known him and his
prominent position in the affairs of the French Republic. At one time
he was the Minister of Justice in the Cabinet and is a noted lawyer
as well as one of the leading parliamentarians of the Chamber of
Deputies.
President Finley then introduced Baron d’Estournelles de Constant,
who spoke in English in his usual felicitous manner in appreciation
of the reception tendered to the delegation from France and the
hospitality accorded to them in the various American cities which
they had visited. The Baron is well known in America, where he has
advocated International Peace, and spoke in terms of affection
of his friends in America and what they were doing to promote
International Peace. It is a matter of regret that his speech was not
reported in full so that it could be included in this Final Report.
President Finley then introduced Senator Henry W. Hill, the Secretary
of the New York Lake Champlain Tercentenary Commission, who on behalf
of the two Commissions received the gift of the people of France
and expressed the cordial feelings of appreciation with which the
beautiful and appropriate bust is received in the following address:
ADDRESS OF SENATOR HENRY W. HILL
_Ambassador Jusserand, Your Excellency Albert Auguste Gabriel
Hanotaux, and other Members of the Delegation from France, and
Gentlemen of the New York and Vermont Tercentenary Commissions, and
of the New York Champlain Association_: This is a fitting postlude
to the Bi-State programme of International Tercentenary exercises
in commemoration of the discovery of one of the most charming
lakes in America by the brave and high-minded Samuel Champlain,
who believed that “the salvation of one soul is of more value than
the conquest of an enemy.” The light of civilization impersonated
in his entrance into the Champlain valley and thus first gleaming
through the darkness of savagery is to be symbolized in a memorial
lighthouse erected by the states of New York and Vermont on
property of the United States Government at Crown Point Forts,
that location being for 150 years one of the strategic points
of the French possessions in America, and the life work of the
discoverer is to be further perpetuated by an heroic size statue
by the New York sculptor, Carl Augustus Heber, at Plattsburgh.
The people of the two States in grateful appreciation of the
life, services and high moral character of the discoverer of the
lake which bears his name, and who was the first white man to set
foot on the soil of New York and Vermont, eleven years before
the Pilgrims entered Plymouth Bay, and two months before Henry
Hudson discovered the river bearing his name, flowing into this
beautiful harbor of New York, conceived and carried forward the
Champlain Tercentenary Celebration of 1909, which has awakened deep
interest in the principles and common purposes of two Republics,
and done much to strengthen the friendship between them, that
prompted France to shed across the seas its kindly and beneficent
influence upon this Republic in its infancy. In the conduct of
that Tercentenary now considered as one of the most noted American
commemorative celebrations, the Republic of France represented by
its gifted and eloquent patriot and scholar, Ambassador Jusserand,
the Kingdom of Great Britain by its distinguished Ambassador
Right Honorable James Bryce, the Dominion of Canada by its noted
Postmaster-General Lemieux, the Province of Quebec by its gifted
Premier Sir Lomer Gouin, the Empire of Japan by its Vice-Admiral,
Uriu, and the United States by its President and Secretary of
War, and some members of its Senate and House of Representatives,
and representatives of the Army and Navy, participated with the
States of New York and Vermont, and thus gave it an international
character, worthy the important events which it was designed to
commemorate.
You would be likely to form a more adequate conception of the
magnitude of the Tercentenary Celebration, if you were to picture
the Champlain valley, one hundred miles in length, and twenty-five
miles in width, with the lake, as stated by Dr. Cady, “a prismed
pendant dropped from out the skies,” interspersed with beautiful
islands, and buttressed by prominent headlands, as an arena with
overtowering mountains on either side, forming a background of
superb natural beauty and suggesting ideals of the true and
sublime in nature and a sky of Italian beauty vaulting a lake
of crystal waters, where five great scenes were presented to
thronging thousands of interested spectators—one at Crown Point
which projects into the lake so far as nearly to sever it into two
sections, where was erected at vast expenditure of money, in 1731,
by the French, Fort Frédéric, in honor of the French Secretary
of Foreign Affairs, Frédéric Maurepas, under the supervision
of the Marquis de Beauharnois, Governor-General of Canada, and
later were also erected the English forts by the forces under
General Amherst, the forts now forming a grand ruin; another
scene twenty miles distant, on the following day, at Ticonderoga,
“the Gateway of the Nation,” where was built Fort Carillon, in
1755-6, around which struggled the flower of contending armies
of three sovereign nations for its control; another scene, sixty
miles distant, at Plattsburgh Barracks, on a plateau overlooking
Valcour Island, where occurred one of the chief naval engagements
of the Revolution, the report of which electrified the Continental
Congress, and also overlooking Plattsburgh Bay, where occurred the
decisive naval engagement of the War of 1812, in which the American
fleet under Macdonough defeated and routed the British fleet under
Downie; and still another scene twenty-five miles distant, on the
following day, in the city of Burlington, under the shadow of
the university which had been burned during the War of 1812, and
whose corner-stone was relaid by Marquis de Lafayette in 1825, and
where stands a statue erected to his memory, on a sloping hillside
overlooking Burlington Bay, that beautiful Baiae of our inland sea,
and the clear waters of the historic lake walled in on the west by
the rugged and occasionally snow-capped peaks of the Adirondacks;
and the fifth scene, forty-five miles distant, on the following
day, at beautiful Isle La Motte, which was the first land in the
Champlain valley visited by Samuel Champlain, which had been for
two centuries or more the common meeting place of warring Indian
tribes, and which became the rendezvous of missionaries, and where
in 1666, was built Fort Ste. Anne, and where High Mass was first
celebrated in the State of Vermont, and where was stationed the
Carignan-Salières Regiment of 600 French veterans. At each of
these scenes were Indian pageants, moved from place to place on a
floating island, participated in by 150 descendants of the native
aboriginal tribes that occupied the Champlain valley, and enlivened
by military and naval forces, with formal addresses, speeches and
poems, by the President of the United States and the distinguished
diplomats, orators and poets in attendance, presenting anew the
story and thrilling events that have transpired in the Champlain
valley since its discovery three centuries ago. This will afford
some conception of the great drama of the Champlain Tercentenary
Celebration, in which Samuel Champlain, the navigator, colonizer
and apostle of civilization in that valley, _Chevalier sans peur et
sans reproche_, was the hero and central figure.
On this occasion we are profoundly touched at the generosity and
friendship of President Fallières and the French people, exhibited
in the presentation by the distinguished delegation who have come
from France, of this allegorical bust “La France,” by Auguste
Rodin, and we gratefully accept the same in the name of the New
York and Vermont Lake Champlain Tercentenary Commissions, in behalf
of the people of the two states, as well as of the people of the
United States, and through you, Monsieur Hanotaux, and other
members of your delegation from France, we tender to President
Fallières and the people of France, who have so generously
contributed to the purchase and presentation of this beautiful
bust, our grateful appreciation and acknowledgments.
This work of art, coming as a voluntary expression of the good
will and cordial feelings of the French people for Americans who
have shown some appreciation of the discoveries and services for
humanity of one of the most noted French explorers among many, who
were first to open up the interior of this continent to the onward
march of civilization, is an imperishable testimonial of that
abiding friendship existing between the peoples of the two foremost
Republics in the world, which have done so much for the liberty,
equality and fraternity of mankind. When we reflect upon the
evolution of French institutions from Charlemagne to Fallières, the
progress of the French people in the arts and sciences within the
last century, and the contributions that they have made to these,
and to literature and to art, as well as to the world’s diplomacy
and intellectual development, we do not wonder that the Republic
across the sea, which you represent, gentlemen, is aglow with
vitality and energized by new and expanding ideas, and is forging
forward as one of the most progressive and powerful nations in the
world. Had not the French people been open to new ideas, possibly
they would not have responded to the appeals of Franklin and our
other patriots during the Revolution, and the Marquis de Lafayette,
Count de Rochambeau, with his 6,000 soldiers, Count de Grasse, with
his fleet, and others, would not have crossed the Atlantic to aid
the Colonies in their struggle for independence.
Lafayette and others carried back with them something of the
inspiration which they had derived from their experience in this
country and from their contact with General Washington and other
patriots, and their reports did something to arouse the National
Assembly of France, and the princes and potentates of European
nations to a realization of the evidences of the Republican
movement in America as well as in Europe, which culminated in
making most of the nations of western Europe more democratic
and responsive to popular liberties. On the establishment of a
Republican form of government in France in 1848, the President
of the United States transmitted a message to Congress, in
which he said: “We can never forget that France was our early
friend in our eventful Revolution, and generously aided us in
shaking off a foreign yoke and becoming a free and independent
people. We have enjoyed the blessing of our system of well
regulated self-government for nearly three-fourths of a century,
and can properly appreciate its value. Our ardent and sincere
congratulations are extended to the patriotic people of France upon
their noble and thus far successful efforts to found for their
future government liberal institutions similar to our own. It is
not doubtful that under the benign influence of free institutions
the enlightened statesmen of Republican France will find it to
be for her true interests and permanent glory to cultivate with
the United States the most liberal principles of international
intercourse and commercial reciprocity, whereby the happiness and
prosperity of both nations will be promoted.” A fitting response
to this was made by the National Assembly of France, and there
have from that time forth existed cordial relations between the
two sister Republics. These relations were emphasized in the
presentation by the French people of the colossal statue “Liberty
Enlightening the World,” by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, unveiled
with elaborate ceremonies on Bedloe’s Island in New York harbor,
on October 28, 1886. When the Rodin allegorical bust “La France”
is in its permanent home by the Champlain Memorial Light at the
Crown Point Forts near the head of Lake Champlain, it will be on
the highway of travel by water between New York harbor and Lake
Champlain, through the enlarged and improved Champlain Canal
nearing completion, and so be brought into communication with the
statue of Liberty, and will do something to restore the interest
of travelers as well as of our French-American citizens, in the
history of that region, for 150 years under control of the French
nation, and within a few miles of which at Ticonderoga, Montcalm
and others achieved imperishable fame, and will be a further
lasting expression of the artistic temperament and proverbial
generosity of the French people toward the people of this nation,
the genius of whose institutions has been more or less reflected in
the evolution of French institutions during the last century. As an
expression of one of your most renowned sculptors, it will awaken a
deeper interest of the people in that valley in art, which has been
ideally expressed in this allegorical bust “La France,” in a way to
symbolize the marvelous genius of the French people.
The members of New York and Vermont Lake Champlain Tercentenary
Commissions bid you, gentlemen of the French delegation, a most
cordial welcome to our shores, and tender to you their deep
appreciation of the gift which you bring from your people.
(Applause.)
V. FRENCH DELEGATION ENTERTAINED BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK
On May 2d, The Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York
entertained at luncheon the French delegation in the Hall of the
Chamber on Liberty street, New York City. Ambassador Jusserand and
the visiting delegation and other invited guests were presented to
President A. Barton Hepburn by Hon. McDougall Hawkes and then seated
on the dais. The flags of the United States and France were entwined
behind the President’s chair.
In welcoming the distinguished visitors, President A. Barton Hepburn
said:
When this country was struggling to win a place in the sisterhood
of nations, without facilities for manufacturing the necessary
means for defense, or money to purchase the same, at war with
one of the most powerful nations of Europe, supplemented by the
inspired hostility of the then powerful tribes of surrounding
Indians, poor in purse, rich only in patriotic resolve to win
their freedom, with credit shrouded by the gloom of possible, if
not probable failure—at this critical juncture France came to our
support, with soldiers and ships of war, and rendered the greatest
aid in winning our independence.
In addition, France loaned us money. The amount was not large,
indeed it was small, compared with present day loans or
transactions, but the loan was made at a time when our continental
currency was so depreciated, that it has given to our language an
expression of worthlessness,—“not worth a continental.”
It was real, metallic money, and the ring of that money resounded
throughout the colonies; it strengthened credit and renewed
confidence. It was tangible evidence that a great nation believed
in us—believed in our future.
At the Battle of Yorktown, which was the crowning victory that
assured our independence, France furnished thirty-six ships of
the line—the colonies none; of the land forces engaged, France
furnished 7,000 veterans—the colonies 5,500 regulars and 3,500
militia. The French fleet, under De Grasse, had previously defeated
the British fleet and driven them from the Chesapeake, thereby
depriving Cornwallis of all hope of reinforcements from New York,
and also cutting off all hope of escape.
We won our independence, but in our self-gratulation, let us
not forget the magnitude of the service, and the extent of our
obligation to France. Hostility to England, as well as love for
America, may have inspired her action, but even so, it does not
lessen the service rendered to us.
This powerful alliance kindled anew the fires of patriotism, and
roused a countrywide feeling of gratitude and love for France,
which has ever since continued. May this feeling grow in intensity
with succeeding years!
God grant that these two great commercial nations may find
prosperity and happiness in the paths of peace, and side by side,
shoulder to shoulder, may their joint influence make for peace and
happiness throughout the world. (Applause.)
I have read that the figure upon the coins of France—a woman
sowing—symbolizes the idea that France sows while others reap.
That is eminently true of the United States and eminently true of
North America. When we recall that Canada, the Ohio territory and
Louisiana once belonged to France, and recall how relatively small
the Spanish province of Florida and the British colonies along the
Atlantic Coast were, we realize what an empire on this continent,
extending from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico, was
once the territory of France.
Her intrepid explorers, her patient priests and devoted
missionaries sowed the seeds of civilization in this great
territory, and the harvest of their labors we are reaping year by
year.
The magnificent statue of Liberty, that ornaments and
dignifies our harbor—the creation of a great French artist and
sculptor—Bartholdi—was a gift from France.
Our guests visit this country at the present time to place a
bas-relief, “La France”—the creation of another great French artist
and sculptor—Rodin—upon a monument erected by the states of New
York and Vermont, at Crown Point Forts, in memory of the great
explorers in this western world, chief among whom ranks Champlain.
Our country was born amid the martial airs and chivalric heroism of
the arms of France, and consecrated with the blood of her soldiers
and sailors, and ever since she has given continuing proof of her
friendship, both actual and sentimental—witness the presence of
this distinguished delegation.
Surely our hearts ought to go out to France, as they do, in
reciprocal good will, and our prayers be offered, as they are, for
her peace, prosperity and happiness.
It is a pleasure and privilege for the commercial representatives
of this state to receive and welcome you gentlemen, and I appeal
to your kindly imagination to conceive the cordial greetings which
we all feel, but which my language fails to express. (Applause.)
President Hepburn then introduced the French Ambassador, J. J.
Jusserand, who spoke eloquently on the importance of the extension
of the commercial relations between France and the United States and
also in appreciation of the hospitality shown in this country to the
French delegation, comprising distinguished officials and civilians
from the Republic of France.
President Hepburn then presented His Excellency, Gabriel Hanotaux as
follows:
“He has won fame as a statesman and as a scholar. For many years he
was Minister of Foreign Affairs in the government of France, and in
the world of letters has achieved that most enviable distinction—a
member of the French Academy. I have the pleasure of presenting M.
Gabriel Hanotaux.”
M. Hanotaux was greeted with loud applause and spoke in French.
ADDRESS OF M. ALBERT AUGUSTE GABRIEL HANOTAUX
_Monsieur le Président_: Si je jette les yeux autour de moi, ma
pensée et celle de la délégation tout entière se porte vers les
énergies humaines que vous représentez autour de nous. C’est
la puissance des États-Unis d’Amérique, c’est cette activité
inlassable qui a couvert de ses oeuvres et de ses conquêtes un
continent et la planète entière se détournant de ses travaux pour
nous faire un splendide et chaleureux accueil. Cette réunion, ces
fleurs, ces drapeaux, tout se réunit pour faire sentir à la France
combien elle est chère à cette vaillante cité new yorkaise. Mais il
y a quelque chose de plus chaud et de plus précieux dans l’accueil
que vous nous faites, c’est le mouvement du coeur. Comment vous
exprimer notre reconnaissance?
D’ailleurs n’est-ce pas la générosité américaine qui a déterminé le
voyage de la Délégation française?
Il y a quelques mois notre éminent ambassadeur, Monsieur Jusserand,
qui veille avec tant de compétence à tout ce qui peut rapprocher
les deux pays, nous avait signalé la prochaine érection sur les
bords du lac Champlain d’un monument en l’honneur de notre
vaillant compatriote. Il pensait avec raison que la France ne
pouvait rester indifférente à ce beau geste qui en continue tant
d’autres analogues. Mais comment la France manifesterait-elle sa
gratitude, comment participerait-elle à cette glorification d’un de
ses enfants?
Seul, un appel au public et un appel à l’art pouvaient avoir
une portée suffisante pour répondre. Par les soins du comité
France-Amérique que nous représentons ici, les deux manifestations
simultanées se sont produites: le public français a compris et
a rapidement souscrit les listes en tête desquelles il trouvait
le nom vénéré de Monsieur Fallières, Président de la République
Française. En même temps l’art avait fait son oeuvre, et le
sculpteur Rodin avait conçu et exécuté l’image de la “France” que
nous avions sollicitée de son génie.
C’est cette image que nous avons apportée ici pour qu’elle soit
scellée au pied du monument de Champlain, comme un cachet et un
sceau authentiquant une fois de plus la fidélité de nos sentiments
communs et nos souvenirs.
Vous avez bien voulu arrêter au passage dans cette grande ville
la délégation qui va porter le bronze au lieu où il est destiné!
Vous savez qu’elle appartient aux diverses grandes institutions
et corporations françaises, au Parlement, à l’Académie et à
l’Institut, à l’Armée, à l’Université, au Conseil d’État, à
l’Industrie, au Commerce, et qu’elle contient trois membres
descendant des familles qui ont combattu ou servi à l’époque de
la guerre de l’Indépendance, Choiseul, Rochambeau, Lafayette,
dont nous avons ici le petit-fils, le Comte de Chambrun. Celui-ci
a reçu, en outre, une délégation spéciale de M. le Président
du Conseil, Monsieur Raymond Poincaré, et il le représente
personnellement.
Ainsi, par-dessus les Océans, une même pensée nous unit. Les
États-Unis élèvent un monument à un Français. La France vous
envoie, par nous, son tribut de gratitude: une fois de plus les
deux grandes démocraties pensent et agissent à l’unisson.