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.