county and of the city of Plattsburgh who have dedicated their
lives to the service of their country, in the army and navy and
in civic councils form a long roll of distinguished honor. They
have upheld the integrity of their country in every quarter of the
globe, and their deeds are glowing on the pages of history. And
this public service has been continuous since the first settlement
here. This record has not been interrupted. Here surely, then, our
Memorial may be safely entrusted to fulfill its purpose and we
may leave it here, as in its long appointed home, telling to the
future, with voiceless eloquence, the meaning of the scene that
appears before us.
For when we have gone away there will appear in the ensuing quiet
a significance here that can hardly be discerned through the
sounds and the pageantry of the present hour. Now we look upon the
brave soldier, the intrepid sailor, the grand discoverer, the wise
administrator, the successful courtier, and the gallant friend
of kings. But when we are here alone and undistracted we shall
recognize a deeper and more abiding import. We shall recall his
unfailing goodness of heart, his helpful and untiring care for his
associates, his generous mercy to the traitor, Vignan, his motto
that the saving of one soul was more worthy of endeavor than the
conquest of an empire. We shall know Champlain as the devoted lover
of his fellow-man, and in this philosophy we shall find the basic
motive of his career, and indeed I think it is for the charm of
such qualities shining through virile manhood that we most love to
remember him. The Spanish conquerors were strong and venturesome,
but there is no gathering of many peoples to do honor to their
memory; no songs are sung for Cortez and Pizarro.
Our Monument will always be an inspiring influence for good and
as time goes on, piety and poesy and song will enrich the memory
of our hero, and romance will cast a halo around his deeds. It is
perhaps from such beginnings that all the great epics of the world
have been developed, yet none of them, it is safe to say, have
proceeded from a nobler basis of character and action.
We are inaugurating our Memorial under happy conditions. A century
of peace between France, England, and America bespeaks a perpetuity
of good will. Their representatives have taken part in all the
important functions of the Tercentenary observances and they are
here to-day with messages of cheer and friendship.
[Illustration: Miss KATHARINE M. BOOTH
Daughter of Hon. John H. Booth, Unveiling Champlain Memorial at
Plattsburgh, July 6, 1912
Copyrighted and by courtesy of Powers Engraving Co., N. Y. City]
[Illustration: Front View of Memorial and Granite Approach to
Samuel Champlain at Plattsburgh]
At Crown Point on May 3d of this year, Mr. Hanotaux, who led the
French delegation entrusted with the presentation of the bust, “La
France”, to the United States, remarked in his address:
A French delegation has come to seal upon the base of this
magnificent monument an image of France. It expresses well what
we have wished to say; it will depict to you France, such as we
Frenchmen conceive it, and as we love it. It is France as she
wishes to be and as she is.
Perhaps it is not amiss to supplement this sentiment by pointing
out that we have chosen as the historic genius of our lake, not an
American, nor an Englishman, but a Frenchman, who represents to
us France and the sons of France as we know them and as we wish
them to be. He was for us the crowning exemplar of ideal chivalry,
without fear and without reproach,—the first of many Frenchmen
through whom we owe so much to France. But such a character belongs
to the world. His representation here presides over the scenes of a
great historic epoch that will never be repeated. Our house is no
longer divided: England and America will never again contend upon
the battlefield.
Samuel Champlain was called to his reward on Christmas day, the
anniversary of the Prince of Peace and Good Will throughout the
world. That peace is now assured us by the peoples who have
gathered here, and as time goes on and the agencies of human
happiness increase within our border, the silent form above us will
tell His Master’s message with an eloquence that we in our day
cannot hear so well. (Applause.)
I now take pleasure in presenting to you His Excellency, Gov. John A.
Dix.
Governor Dix spoke as follows:
Admiring to-day this beautiful statue of Champlain, this splendid
embodiment of genius and patriotism, it seems as if one were gazing
upon it through the vista of a beautiful parkway. The statue, in
all its edifying beauty, is here before us, and yet its influence
and its meaning carry the mental eye adown three centuries of
visualization of civilizing events—sad and happy, depressing and
gladdening, horrible and glorious, all necessary in the foliage of
the avenue of progress through which the mind perceives and tries
to understand the character of the man whom we here honor.
Have you, in walking along the parkway of a city’s breathing-place
or the lane of an arbored village, at the end of your line of
vision, come upon a solitary figure—a monument, a great tree, the
section of a home with a cupola upon it, or whatever it may be that
by its height and loneliness interrupt and end the vista? Have you
noticed that the width of the vista is seemingly greatest where you
stand, and gradually diminishes until at the finishing point it is
narrow, very narrow?
As I view this product of man’s acknowledgment of his indebtedness
to the past, and of man’s ability to express for the present and
for the ages to come his conception of his obligation to heroes and
pioneers, I seem to be looking from this statue down the vista of a
parkway of the three centuries between Champlain and us.
On either side stand sublime events of history, with the sun of
Hope and Faith shining above. Here and there trees shut off the
sunshine, while others only serve to beautify and embroider that
sunshine as it filters through their verdant branches. And all
the while the roadway of civilization grows gradually from the
narrowness of the past to the breadth and the warmth of the present.
This is the picture as it presents itself to my mind, of the
historic event we celebrate and its true meaning.
We, of the more tolerant, more enlightened, and, I hope, happier
world, of the year 1912, see in this statue the heroic figure of
the intrepid explorer, who was the pioneer of civilization in this
magnificent region of country. His was the narrower world, perhaps,
but to him belongs the immortal fame of beginning the gradual
broadening of the way which, through war and sacrifice, honor and
glory, leads to our present proud position among the nations of the
world.
Since the plan of this Tercentenary celebration of Champlain’s
discovery was so well inaugurated and so well organized, tributes
of the ablest orators, the greatest writers, and the foremost
officials of state and nation, have been paid to the character
and the achievements of Samuel Champlain. Words seem now almost
superfluous, for what can be said that will add to the fullness
and the beauty and the sincerity of the expressions of honor and
appreciation which have been placed upon the enduring records of
time.
Champlain truly typifies the chivalry, the intrepidity and the
charm of the people of his time and country. The best tribute that
has been paid to him, I think, was that of Hamilton W. Mabie, and
with Mr. Mabie’s words I will close: “A gentleman by birth and
training, calm in danger, resourceful and swift in action, strict
in discipline, but always just and kind.” (Applause.)
[Illustration: Gov. John A. Dix speaking at the Champlain Memorial at
Plattsburgh, July 6, 1912
Copyrighted and by the courtesy of Powers Engraving Co. of New York]
Gov. John A. Mead of Vermont was officially represented by the
Adjutant-General of that State, Col. Lee S. Tillotson of St. Albans,
who was introduced and delivered the following address:
_Mr. Chairman, Your Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen_: My
position here to-day reminds me of the story of the old colored
gentleman who was being prosecuted for the usual misdemeanor
of stealing chickens. When his case was called, the judge, who
knew the culprit, looking down into the prisoner’s box where he
was seated, said: “Uncle Rastus, are you the respondent in
this case?” “No, yo’ honah,” said Uncle Rastus, “I’se not de
respondent, I’se got a lawyer here who is goin’ to do all de
respondin’ fo’ me; I’se de ge’man who done stole de chickens.” In
this case, I am the respondent. The gentleman whom you invited
and expected to be present to-day has not stolen any chickens,
but he is, unfortunately for you and for him, detained at home
by a slight attack of rheumatism, and when I tell you that it
was contracted while attending as a delegate the recent national
Republican convention at Chicago, you will not be surprised to
learn that his malady is inflammatory in its nature. But I want
to tell you that Governor Mead is not tying up his sore places
with the red bandanna handkerchief. I don’t know how you feel over
here, but we in Vermont do not think that the facts and events
incident to the present presidential administration afford any man
the right, constitutional or otherwise, to charge President Taft
with fraudulent practices. I know that this is not the proper time
nor place to talk politics, but, as you may have guessed, I am a
Republican, and we Republicans don’t have much incentive to blow
our political horns in Vermont, because everybody over there agrees
with us, and the inspiration of this opportunity in Governor Dix’s
jurisdiction was too strong to be resisted. However, I think we had
better get on to a safer topic of discussion. (Laughter.)
I suppose that on this occasion I ought to talk about history,
but I don’t know enough. I don’t even know whether the battle
of Plattsburgh was a land engagement or an aerial contest. The
weather is usually a reasonably safe topic, but the temperature
here for the past few days has been so hot that it won’t admit of
public comment. So I have decided to talk about the scenery. I
think I have made a discovery. I have often wondered why it was
that you New Yorkers were so much more successful in attracting
summer visitors to your territory than we in Vermont. Since I
have been over here I have discovered the reason. It is because
of the magnificent scenery afforded you on this side of the lake
of the Green Mountains of Vermont. You have been capitalizing our
resources without our permission. Now you must even things up, and
I want to tell you that your Adirondack Mountains appear to much
better advantage, and are grander and more magnificent from the
viewpoint of the Vermont shore than from anywhere else. If you
don’t believe it, come over and see for yourselves. You will find
in Vermont just as warm a welcome, just as comfortable hotels, just
as good roads, and just as refreshing water,—and other things,—as
anywhere else.
And now, Mr. Chairman, in closing, I wish to extend to you and the
members of your Commission, the Governor’s regrets, and mine, that
he was not able to be with you personally, and to thank you for the
many courtesies which you have shown to my friends and myself on
this occasion. (Applause.)
Plattsburgh has many enterprising citizens and has had some liberal
benefactors. In the latter class, the name of the Hon. Francis Lynde
Stetson of New York City, a native of Clinton county and long-time
resident of Plattsburgh, will be cherished in grateful remembrance
for his many beneficent acts to that city. It was quite natural,
therefore, that he accept the Champlain memorial in behalf of the
city of Plattsburgh, which he did in the following touching address:
_Governor Dix_: Through the kind favor of the Mayor of the city
of Plattsburgh and in his behalf, I take pleasure in accepting
from you this fine gift of the State of New York, worthily set in
this beautiful park provided by the liberality of the people of
Plattsburgh. The location is ideal, overlooking the most attractive
and the most famous bay of this lovely lake, which, unlike most
North American waters, bears the name of the discoverer, bestowed
by himself. To those here seeking for his monument, as in the case
of Sir Christopher Wren, the answer during three centuries might
well have been, “look about you.” But now in the fullness of time,
the accumulating admiration of many generations has demanded and
has found concrete expression in this beautiful memorial of the
character, the constancy and the courage of Samuel Champlain, the
Christian Explorer. This work of man’s hands cannot enhance his
fame, but it can and will indicate to countless generations our
capacity to appreciate his virtue.
To carry abroad the gospel of his Lord and Master; to extend the
influence and the prosperity of his beloved country; to replace
savagery with orderly government and religious civilization, he
crossed the Atlantic twenty times; he traced its western shore from
Newfoundland to Cape Cod; he explored the Isthmus of Darien, and
proposed to join the two oceans; he pierced the Laurentian forests,
and discovered not only Champlain but also Nipissing and Huron;
and he became the founder of New France. For more than a score of
years he ruled in justice and equity, winning the hearts of his
countrymen and the almost idolatrous affection of the savage tribes
of Canada. His integrity was spotless, his sincerity unquestioned;
and his piety was attested by his last will, devoting to religion
his entire estate of about $1,000.
That we should give ourselves for others, for community and for
country is supposed to be a call specially significant of the
present hour. But three centuries since it was heard and was
followed by Samuel Champlain at the sacrifice of much that most
men deemed desirable. Luxurious ease at the royal court of Henri
IV. he despised, and through unbroken forests led the way for
civilization, thus answering the question of the Duke in “As You
Like It”:
“Are not these woods
More free from peril than the envious court?”
In the deep fastnesses of the forests he carried the cross as his
amulet and sought the salvation of souls.
This day can show no higher type nor profess a nobler faith than
his. This poor French boy of Brouage by three-score years of
faithful duty proved that virtue is not the monopoly of any age or
country or class; and that to help the world greatly forward no
special calling is necessary. All that is needed is the faithful
following of high ideals. Such was the accomplishment of Champlain
and such, two centuries later, of the other great hero of these
waters, the chivalrous and God-fearing Macdonough, soon to be
honored by a monument on this shore.
It is well that this generation should make recognition of such
lives, proving that love toward God and man and its constant
expression in a consistent life are not incompatible with the
development and exhibition of the most heroic and manly virtues.
But to limit our recognition to the raising of a monument were
indeed an empty show. Those who without genuine and active sympathy
would build the tombs of the prophets and garnish the sepulchres of
the righteous were denounced by the Master as hypocrites.
Life service and not lip service is required of those who would
perpetuate, and should emulate the virtues of Champlain.
This monument is erected to him and not through the pretext of his
name to ourselves. But, in a sense it must imply a sympathetic
appreciation by this generation and this community. Let the deed
follow the profession. Self-sacrifice, integrity, devotion to duty,
truth-telling, clean-living and love of God and man must be the
aim of every man, woman and child who in heart and truth helps
raise this monument. The aim I say, but, only by God’s help, the
achievement, for to few are given the enduring fortitude and the
prevailing persistence of Champlain and Macdonough.
That this monument shall stand and shall continue to stand a silent
but effective monitor, teaching the men, the women, the boys and
the girls of this valley to lead clean and helpful lives, and to
leave behind them memories which shall encourage others so to live,
is the hope in which this gift is accepted and will be preserved.
(Applause.)
Ambassador J. J. Jusserand was unavoidably absent on a visit to
the Republic from which he is accredited to this country. He was
represented, however, on this occasion by Count de Peretti de la
Rocca, Chargé d’Affaires de France, at Washington. Count de Peretti
de la Rocca was introduced and spoke as follows:
It is often said that America looks always to the future. The
beautiful festivities at which we are assisting prove the contrary.
Descendants of the pioneers of former times on this continent,
which they opened up to civilization, you are continuing their
work. Animated by their spirit of daring and activity, you are
extending each day the field of their conquests, and you are
reaping the fruits of the harvest of their deeds. But you like
sometimes to stop your daily toil, to come and meditate before the
rude cradle of your great nation.
To-day, pleasure boats sail on this beautiful lake, and its shady
banks seem to have been intended always as a place of rest for
tired city dwellers. It is not without some effort of imagination
that we can now recall the rugged Champlain and his strange troop,
sailing on the same lake in pursuit of the Iroquois. However, you
wished that the tourists, who come here each year in thousands,
surrounded by luxury and beauty, should be reminded of their
first great predecessor. And you have raised up to Champlain
this monument, which does honor both to the initiative of your
Commissions and to the talents of your architects. You found that
there was in the life of Champlain, as in those of the other French
pioneers, of whom your historian, Parkman, so well wrote the lives,
lessons which should not be lost. The example of their ingenuity,
which nothing could rebut, of their energy, which nothing could
daunt, of their faith, which never was discouraged, is still a
lesson of confidence and optimism. Pessimistic persons might
perhaps point out that these men failed to attain their ends. They
traveled over this continent seeking a way to China, and that way
did not exist. Anyway, they hoped that the countries which they
discovered would become the possessions of their nation and of
their King, and now the lilies of the French monarchy have been
replaced by the Stars and Stripes of the American democracy. But
these are only partial failures and their efforts were not in vain.
China remained closed to them, but America and its treasures were
opened to them. The vicissitudes of events have caused a change of
nationality in the countries discovered by them, but I am sure they
are content in their graves on account of celebrations of their
memory such as that of to-day: on account also of the unalterable
friendship which binds your nation to theirs and especially on
account of the confident eagerness with which, inherited from them,
you continue and complete their work.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, if you permit me I will add some words
in my own language.
Cela ne sera pas pour déplaire à mon grande compatriote Champlain.
Je tiens à exprimer au Gouverneur Dix at au Chairman Knapp tous mes
remerciements pour la manière si flatteuse at si affectueuse dont
ils ont parlé de mon pays. Je veux vous dire à tous combien je suis
heureux et reconnaissant que le souvenir de la France ait été si
intimement associé à ces belles cérémonies.
Enfin j’ajouterai combien j’ai été touché par l’aimable accueil que
nous a réservé la cité de Plattsburgh dont la beauté des paysages,
le pittoresque des rues et des maisons, le charme des habitants
m’ont tout spécialement frappé. Aussi est-ce du fond de coeur que
je forme les voeux les plus ardents pour la continuation de sa
prospérité.
The address was enthusiastically received.
The Hon. John A. Stewart of New York was the next speaker and in the
course of his address, which was extempore and therefore unreported
except in substance, he said:
From Champlain’s day we have grown into the most potential nation
in the world, but let us thank God that mere power is not the
measure of a nation’s greatness. We have become the richest nation
in the world, but every day of our existence we should give thanks
to the Almighty that our standing among the nations rests upon
another basis than the mere possession of great wealth. We are
the most populous among the nations of advanced civilization, but
we should thank God that the gauge of our power and our greatness
does not lie merely in superiority in point of numbers. A nation
like the individual is great only to the degree of the possession
of the homely virtues, the virtues of the home and fireside,
of contentment and the peace and satisfaction which come from
honest toil, from the day’s tasks done in the proper spirit of
thankfulness for all the blessings which have come from advantages
given by a prodigal nature. The prophetic vision of Champlain which
saw occupying the North American continent a great and a mighty
people has been realized. It is to men of Champlain’s blood that we
owe the searching out and the discovery of the fertility of this
great land and its adaptation for the uses of mankind. To those
of his own race, who have succeeded him, we Americans are tied
by the bond of a common destiny. Though separated politically,
Canada, which is the heritage of Champlain, and this beautiful
north country which is equally his heritage and one of the most
beautiful parts of the great Republic, stand shoulder to shoulder
in the working out of a common fate; for no danger can menace the
one without the other sharing in that danger and no great national
blessing can come to the one without that same blessing working
its benefit to the other. Blessed is the land and blessed the
people where the homely virtues are still inculcated, where that
admonition of the Almighty is regarded not merely as an article of
faith, but as a precept to be followed, “Honor thy father and thy
mother that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God
giveth thee,” for of such is the land which Champlain found and the
people which bless him as the great discoverer. (Applause.)
The last speaker was the Hon. Job E. Hedges of New York City, whose
address sparkled with wit and kept the audience in a ripple of
laughter. It was also extempore. In the course of his address he said:
The specific things Champlain did are not so important as his
motive. He was an epoch in history. It falls to few men to be
greater than their generation. If we are to draw a lesson at this
time, it is that physical courage unbacked by moral effort is
futile. It is very easy to be good rhetorically. I believe in the
efficacy of prayer, but it is possible to remain on your knees so
long that you overlook a neighbor’s distress.
It is better to try and fail than not to endeavor. Champlain
never felt that he was called—he just went. He never worried
about prosperity. He framed his opinions without asking himself
whether he was in the majority or not. It is better to practice
one commandment and forget the other nine than have all of them
committed to memory as a rhetorical exercise.
It is a great thing to have a man’s memory remain 300 years without
tarnish—or even 300 days without it. It is a wonderful thing to be
great and not know it. Champlain could have closed his eyes forever
at the end of any twenty-four hours of his life and have said, “I
have done the best I could.” (Applause.)
Benediction was then pronounced by the Rt. Rev. Monsignor M. J.
Lavelle, Vicar General of New York, as follows: