e not been stopped in their decree by the
consideration that Franklin was a stranger. Great men are the fathers of
universal humanity; their loss ought to be felt as a common misfortune
by all the tribes of the great human family; and it belongs without
doubt to a nation still affected by all the sentiments which accompany
the achievement of their liberty, and which owes its enfranchisement
essentially to the progress of the public reason, to be the first to
give the example of the filial gratitude of the people toward their true
benefactors. Besides that, these ideas and this example are so proper to
disseminate a happy emulation of patriotism, and thus to extend more and
more the empire of reason and virtue, which could not fail promptly to
determine a body devoted to the most important legislative combinations.
Charged with assuring to the French the rights of men and citizens, it
has believed without doubt that fruitful and great truths were likewise
numbered among the rights of man.

The name of Benjamin Franklin will be immortal in the records of freedom
and philosophy, but it is more particularly dear to a country where,
conducted by the most sublime mission, this venerable man grew very
soon to acquire an infinite number of friends and admirers as well by
the simplicity and sweetness of his manners as by the purity of his
principles, the extent of his knowledge, and the charms of his mind.

It will be remembered that every success which he obtained in his
important negotiation was applauded and celebrated (so to express it)
all over France as so many crowns conferred on genius and virtue.

Even then the sentiment of our rights existed in the bottom of our
souls. It was easily perceived that it feelingly mingled in the interest
which we took in America and in the public vows which we preferred for
your liberty.

At last the hour of the French has arrived. We love to think that the
citizens of the United States have not regarded with indifference our
steps toward liberty. Twenty-six millions of men breaking their chains
and seriously occupied in giving themselves a durable constitution are
not unworthy the esteem of a generous people who have preceded them in
that noble career.

We hope they will learn with interest the funeral homage which we
have rendered the Nestor of America. May this solemn act of fraternal
friendship serve more and more to bind the tie which ought to unite two
free nations. May the comm