[From the Avenir National, April 29, 1865.]
Many of our friends, faithful interpreters of liberal and democratic opinion, call upon us to open a subscription to erect a monument to Abraham Lincoln.
Men like Lincoln, of whatever country they may be, are the glory of their time, and it is befitting, for the interests and the honor of democracy, that a monument should bear witness to posterity of the admiration and gratitude of the cotemporaries. Reverence for those to whom liberty was dear, and by whom its interests have been promoted, is a proof of the maturity and morality of nations.
We join, then, without reserve, in the wishes of our friends; and if we consulted only our feelings, we would immediately open the subscription. But unless better advised, we believe that the initiative in this case ought to be left to the United States. They will take it beyond all doubt, and the whole of democratic France will associate herself with the homage rendered by his fellow-citizens to the upright man, who in a crisis where so many passions were let loose, and liberty was menaced with so many dangers, gave to the world a rare example of moderation and respect for the laws.
The Avenir National will then open a subscription at its offices, and will inscribe its name at the head of the first list.