Its dining saloon, on the second
flow, has witnessed many bountiful repasts, to celebrate social, military,
political or literary events, none better remembered than that of the 17th
of November, 1880, when the elite of Quebec crowded in unusual numbers -
about one hundred and eighty citizens, English and French - to do honour,
by a public banquet, to the laureate of the French Academy, M. Louis
Honore Frechette, [30] to celebrate his receiving in August last, in
Paris, from the Academie Francaise, the unprecedented distinction, for a
colonist, of the Grand Prix Monthyon (2,000 livres) for the excellence
of his poetry.
Subjoined will be found the names of some of those present, also, extracts
from a few of the addresses delivered. We regret much that want of space
precludes us from adding more of the eloquent speeches delivered, because
they throw light for English readers on the high degree of culture French
literature has attained at Quebec. All, we are sure, will rejoice with us
that, for the cause of letters, M. Frechette was timely rescued from the
quagmire of political warfare and hustings promises.
THE FRECHETTE DINNER, NOVEMBER 17, 1880.
"Mr. L. H. Frechette, the laureate of the French Academy, was last
night the recipient of marks of honor and esteem, in the shape of a
magnificent banquet given him at the St. Louis Hotel, by the citizens
of Quebec and vicinity.
