The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-01-27
JOSeph BOnanartn,

Joseph BOnapartC,
Among the occurrences, which, in taking a retro
spect of the past year, seems to demand some more
notice than, in the hurry Of the hour awarded to
it, in this country, is the death Of tho eminent person
age mentioned at the head of this Article
Joseph Bonaparte, or as he was known among u.s.
Count SurriAiers, passed so many years exile in
our country, and won during those years SO much re-
spec and kindly feeling by his conduct that we have
thought it might be unnterestiug to our readers
as il seems in measure due to tho memory Of
one who is freshly remembered by many warm
friends nmong US, to have brief notice Of his life
and death
Joseph, the elder brother ofNapolcon, and through
life his most intimate friend was born in Corsica in
l76s. lie together with Napoleon educated at
Autun. where the tendency Of their respective tastes
and character developed sefby their preference of
or excellence in particular studies-Joscph the man
of letters and Of peace, doing for his soder-brother,
his Latin and Greek while the future conqe-
or studied Caesar and Alexander, and helped his
brother in the mathematics
Elected a deputy fon 4 jacco to the Corsican as
sembly in 1890, he ardenty embraced the principles
Of the French revolution, which he cherished to his
death. lie was spocuativey always friend of
graccd his brow and two others ;endeerd 20 hin-one
in this our new wOrd-were set aside by him, he
did not in power orget,so far as he was free to act
his early pledges.
His career in France was rapid and brilliant. In
1885, he was the French Ambassador at Rome
subsequently a member Of the Council of Fire Hun
dred, and in 1900 counsellor Of State, in which
capacity he, together with Roederer, concluded a
=. :. II -.
States. He was the penipotenliary who signed the
treaty Of Lunevile which gave peace to the continent
in lsOl-and the treaty of peace with England at
Amens in 1902
When the Empire arose Napoleon being without
male issue Joseph and his brother Louis, and their
descendants were looked to the successors of the
Emperor; and then it that Napoleon first required
that Joseph, so distinguished in civil and diplomatic
life should put the harness of the soldier. lie in
sisted that to whom the succession might fall,
should be versed in military, as well as in civil con-
duct and accordingly Joseph became Colonel Of
regiment in the famous camp Of BouOgne.
Wtiie there, the crown of LombarJy was offered
TO him, but he refused it because the Emperor made
it condition of acceptance, that he should renounce
his claim to the succession of the Empire, and more
that he should pay annual tribute to France.
In 1906, at the head of an army of 10000 men,
he was commissioned to overthrow the English and
Russian domination in Naples and the throne Of
Queen Caroline. lie easily and rapidly effected the
conquest, and his brow bore the crown which
he had conquered. His brief reign Of two years
a succession of benefits to people who had been
long degraded by most oppressive desposm. lie
founded civil and military schoos-some Of which
yet exist-oyer.hrew feuda privileges suppressed
the convents-opencd new roads-caused the Las
sarOni of Naples to work and be pad-drained
marshes-snd every where animated with life
and hope a people long sunk in abect serviude.-
Joseph here in his element, for he loved to do
good.
From these congenal to him, he
called by the Emperor in 1908, to Bayonue, and there
the crown of Spain forced upon him. In his
new sphere he adhere to his previous course
and by mldness and persuasion and benefits confer
red TO concate the affection of Spain. lie even be-
sought the Emperor Withdraw all the French troops
trusting by frank and loyal conduct towards the
Spanards to obtain their confidence and support
His request acceded 10, and the hatred and
Jealousy OF foreigners which mark the Spanish char
aoter, exasperaed by the clergy and encouraged by
| tue presence OF II large English army rendered all
Joseph's efforts for peaceful SUCCESS such as he
had accomplished in Naples, impossible. lie was
obliged to be the soldier, and although ,vorsted in the
event, he gave in the various battle fields where he
present, decisive indication Of courage and con-
duct. Wearied with Gruitless struggle which prom
| ised opportunity for the exercise of the kindly