I now take great pleasure in introducing to you the acting Governor, Lieutenant-Governor Conway.
Lieut.-Gov. Thomas F. Conway in the course of his address of welcome said:
Gentlemen: I had the pleasure on Wednesday evening of extending to you on the part of the State of New York the appreciation of its citizens at your coming to our shores, but it is a double pleasure to welcome you to Lake Champlain, rich in French history and the pride of every one who may rightfully claim the Champlain valley as his birthplace. We believe that you will find this one of the most charming lakes you have ever visited and we trust that you will appreciate its beauties as do its inhabitants and its many visitors.
Chairman Knapp then introduced Gov. John A. Mead of Vermont.
Governor Mead in welcoming the visitors said:
The people of the Green Mountain State join with the people of the Empire State in welcoming the members of the distinguished delegation from France who have come to bring the seal of the Mother-Country to the memorial of one of her most distinguished sons. The Vermont Commission in order to do honor to that distinguished son, Samuel Champlain, united with the New York Commission in erecting this stately joint memorial to commemorate his memory, which is revered by the people of both states. We count it the greatest privilege that can fall to the lot of any man to be born along the shores of this beautiful lake, which Champlain considered worthy to bear his name.
Chairman Knapp then presented the French delegation, saying: Many Commissions have come from France to us, but all of France has never been so well represented as it is by our guests to-day. They bring in their hands the gift that has been contributed by all the classes of all the French people.
I have the pleasure of introducing to you the Chairman of the Delegation, M. Gabriel Hanotaux.