As I view this product of man’s acknowledgment of his indebtedness to the past, and of man’s ability to express for the present and for the ages to come his conception of his obligation to heroes and pioneers, I seem to be looking from this statue down the vista of a parkway of the three centuries between Champlain and us.
On either side stand sublime events of history, with the sun of Hope and Faith shining above. Here and there trees shut off the sunshine, while others only serve to beautify and embroider that sunshine as it filters through their verdant branches. And all the while the roadway of civilization grows gradually from the narrowness of the past to the breadth and the warmth of the present.
This is the picture as it presents itself to my mind, of the historic event we celebrate and its true meaning.
We, of the more tolerant, more enlightened, and, I hope, happier world, of the year 1912, see in this statue the heroic figure of the intrepid explorer, who was the pioneer of civilization in this magnificent region of country. His was the narrower world, perhaps, but to him belongs the immortal fame of beginning the gradual broadening of the way which, through war and sacrifice, honor and glory, leads to our present proud position among the nations of the world.
Since the plan of this Tercentenary celebration of Champlain’s discovery was so well inaugurated and so well organized, tributes of the ablest orators, the greatest writers, and the foremost officials of state and nation, have been paid to the character and the achievements of Samuel Champlain. Words seem now almost superfluous, for what can be said that will add to the fullness and the beauty and the sincerity of the expressions of honor and appreciation which have been placed upon the enduring records of time.
Champlain truly typifies the chivalry, the intrepidity and the charm of the people of his time and country. The best tribute that has been paid to him, I think, was that of Hamilton W. Mabie, and with Mr. Mabie’s words I will close: “A gentleman by birth and training, calm in danger, resourceful and swift in action, strict in discipline, but always just and kind.” (Applause.)
Copyrighted and by the courtesy of Powers Engraving Co. of New York
Gov. John A. Mead of Vermont was officially represented by the Adjutant-General of that State, Col. Lee S. Tillotson of St. Albans, who was introduced and delivered the following address: