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.