More free from peril than the envious court?”
In the deep fastnesses of the forests he carried the cross as his amulet and sought the salvation of souls.
This day can show no higher type nor profess a nobler faith than his. This poor French boy of Brouage by three-score years of faithful duty proved that virtue is not the monopoly of any age or country or class; and that to help the world greatly forward no special calling is necessary. All that is needed is the faithful following of high ideals. Such was the accomplishment of Champlain and such, two centuries later, of the other great hero of these waters, the chivalrous and God-fearing Macdonough, soon to be honored by a monument on this shore.
It is well that this generation should make recognition of such lives, proving that love toward God and man and its constant expression in a consistent life are not incompatible with the development and exhibition of the most heroic and manly virtues.
But to limit our recognition to the raising of a monument were indeed an empty show. Those who without genuine and active sympathy would build the tombs of the prophets and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous were denounced by the Master as hypocrites.
Life service and not lip service is required of those who would perpetuate, and should emulate the virtues of Champlain.
This monument is erected to him and not through the pretext of his name to ourselves. But, in a sense it must imply a sympathetic appreciation by this generation and this community. Let the deed follow the profession. Self-sacrifice, integrity, devotion to duty, truth-telling, clean-living and love of God and man must be the aim of every man, woman and child who in heart and truth helps raise this monument. The aim I say, but, only by God’s help, the achievement, for to few are given the enduring fortitude and the prevailing persistence of Champlain and Macdonough.
That this monument shall stand and shall continue to stand a silent but effective monitor, teaching the men, the women, the boys and the girls of this valley to lead clean and helpful lives, and to leave behind them memories which shall encourage others so to live, is the hope in which this gift is accepted and will be preserved. (Applause.)
Ambassador J. J. Jusserand was unavoidably absent on a visit to the Republic from which he is accredited to this country. He was represented, however, on this occasion by Count de Peretti de la Rocca, Chargé d’Affaires de France, at Washington. Count de Peretti de la Rocca was introduced and spoke as follows:
It is often said that America looks always to the future. The beautiful festivities at which we are assisting prove the contrary. Descendants of the pioneers of former times on this continent, which they opened up to civilization, you are continuing their work. Animated by their spirit of daring and activity, you are extending each day the field of their conquests, and you are reaping the fruits of the harvest of their deeds. But you like sometimes to stop your daily toil, to come and meditate before the rude cradle of your great nation.