The declaration of the American Independence preceded the declaration of the Rights of Man, and Republican Government in America preceded the establishment of Free Government in France.
Mutual action at decisive moments, as we see, has blended together the histories of France and of the United States with ever beneficial effect, leaving to-day in the hearts of both nations an unparalleled feeling of esteem and constantly well-wishing affection. (Great applause.)
President Hepburn said: “Only a few years ago we wanted the world, but now we want the air above it. We have with us to-day one of the pioneers in navigation of the air, the man who first crossed the English channel in a heavier than air machine. I present to you M. Louis Blériot.” M. Blériot said:
He had been carried away on the wings of the eloquence to heights where it was imprudent for an aviator to risk himself, and he would express simply, but with profound sincerity in behalf of French industry the great admiration which they, the workmen of old Europe, had for the great and daring efforts of America to conquer the air. That work brought men together, and united especially the citizens of America and France, already brothers by ancient bonds. Thanks to science and industry, distances were diminishing. They admired Edison and did not forget Fulton, as they recollected all those who had contributed by their invention or their initiative to widen the field of the activity of humanity. He looked forward to the time when the birds of France and the birds of America would settle on each others’ shores. (Applause.)
Addresses were also made in French by M. Louis Barthou, formerly a member of the French Cabinet, and others. They were enthusiastically received. At the luncheon which followed the meeting a toast was given in honor of the President of France which was responded to by M. Hanotaux, after which Baron D’Estournelles de Constant made an eloquent address. Since their return to France and the election of M. Raymond Poincaré to the Presidency of that Republic, M. Louis Barthou has been made President of the Council of Ministers. It is very gratifying to the many friends in America of M. Barthou that he has been so signally honored by the French nation.
Ferry Transporting Commissioners and French Delegation between Port Henry and Crown Point Memorial, May 3, 1912
VI. FRENCH VISITORS AND CHAMPLAIN COMMISSIONERS ENTERTAINED AT TICONDEROGA, LATER INSPECT CHAMPLAIN MEMORIAL LIGHTHOUSE AT CROWN POINT, WHERE THEY FORMALLY PLACE THE BUST “LA FRANCE” AND THEN JOURNEY TO PLATTSBURGH. REPORT TO PARIS
The members of the New York and Vermont Lake Champlain Commissions accompanied by His Excellency, M. Jusserand, the French Ambassador, Governor Mead of Vermont and the members of the French delegation left New York on the night train, May 2d, in special cars, which were detached from the train the next morning at Fort Ticonderoga station. The French visitors were entertained at breakfast by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen H. P. Pell at “The Pavilion,” their summer home, while the members of the Joint Commissions were entertained at breakfast by Commissioner Howland Pell in the Block House, rebuilt by him in the Germain Redoubt overlooking the Lake. Several hours were spent in looking over the ruins, fortifications and restorations, the details of which were explained by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen H. P. Pell, who own Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence. The visitors were greatly interested in all they saw, and especially the French lines, the scene of Montcalm’s victory in 1758 and the place where the battle occurred. The ancient flag of France with the Fleur-de-lis was displayed together with the Tri-color and each was saluted with formality.