In 1599, several years before coming to Canada, Champlain visited the Isthmus of Panama, and noted that if a canal were cut across it one could pass from one ocean to the other, thus shortening the distance from Spain to Peru by more than fifteen hundred leagues. And as this Frenchman was the first[2] to lay that project of the Panama Canal before the world, so another great Frenchman, de Lesseps, was the first to put the idea into practical application; and after proving that its accomplishment was only possible if undertaken by a Government, to hand it over to the traditional friend of France,—its successor in the ownership of the great territory of Louisiana—to complete the divorcement of the continent, which, as Champlain wrote, would divide America into two islands: one from Panama to the Straits of Magellan, and the other from Panama to the new lands (Terres Noeufves).
In 1878 we celebrated the centennial anniversary of the Treaty of Alliance, and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, with France.
In 1903 we celebrated the centennial anniversary of the Treaty of Cession of Louisiana.
In 1904 we concluded the purchase from the French Panama Canal Company of its interests in the Isthmian Canal.
In 1909 we celebrated the three hundredth anniversary of the discovery by Champlain of the great lake with which his name is forever linked.
To-night, in the name and on behalf of the President of the United States, I welcome the Embassy from the French people that brings to the American people a token of the perpetual friendship which an indissoluble union in the past makes sure of continuance in the future.
No more distinguished or representative Embassy has ever come bearing the greetings of one people to another. Glancing over the names of those that comprise it, one sees those of the most distinguished exponents of all that is best in French national life. History, Literature, Art, Journalism; the cause of International Peace, and Arms, which ensure its continuance; Industry, Commerce and Sport—all these are represented. To one and all of you, America extends a welcome. And in the name, and on behalf, of the President of the United States I accept this bronze relief of France, which will be erected on the lighthouse at Crown Point, as a perpetual reminder of the good will of that people who are united with us by the memory of many evidences of disinterested friendship in the past and of a common devotion to Republican principles in the present. (Applause.)
President Finley then introduced Ambassador Jusserand as follows:
We welcome the special embassies that come from time to time, but that is partly because of our affection and admiration for the permanent Ambassador from the Republic of France. It was rumored a few days ago that he was to be promoted to another court. Of course, in our opinion transfer to another court is not a promotion. But in any event, we are sure of this: that court is the most fortunate to whose sovereign he is accredited. I propose the health of the sovereign who has accredited him to us, the President of the French Republic.