Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-07-13
NApoLEoN's ATrEMPT TO COMMIT
Suicide.

SUICIDE. i
In Montholon's hiltory Of the captivity of
Napoleon at ST. Heleqa, II il recorded that he
twice attempted self]bstruction. once early in
his career, and again p 1916. On the FIRST oc-
casion, his life was sa'td by Demasis, a former
comrade in an nrti|leryfegiment.s Napoleon was
then in Paris-deprx&d and suffering from i'll
ness. His mother having nedfrom Corsica, was
at Marseilles, without means of subsistence, and
had written to him for aid. Napoleon had moth
ing but an assignat, Of an hundred sous. Re-
laling this adventure to Montholon, Napoleon
says
In state of detection went out, as if urg-
ed to suicide by an animal instinct, and walked
along the quays, feeling my weakness, but una
BILE TO conquer it. In few more moments
should have thrown myself into the water, when
run against an individual dressed like simple
mechanic, and who recognized me, threw himself
on my neck, and cried, "Is it you, Napoleon 3
What joy to see you again" 1t was Demasis,
a former comrade of mine in the artillery reg-
ment He had emigrated, and had returned to
France in disguise, to see his aged mother
He was about to GO, when stopping, he said,
:" What is the matter! You do not listen to
me. What misfortune threatens! You look
to me like madman about to kill himself"
This direct appeal awoke Napoleon's feelings,
and he told him everything. "Is that all g
said he; opening his coarse waistcoat, and de-
taching belt he added "here are thirty thou
sand francs in gold; take them and save your
mother" :" | cannot" said Napoleon, to this
day, explain to myself my motives for so doing,
but seized the gold as if by convulsive move
ment, and ran like mailman to send it to my
mother. 1t was not until it was out of my
hands that thought of what.I had done. | has
tened back to the spot where | had left Demasis,
but he was no longer there. For several days
went out in the morning, and returned not un-
til evening, searching every place where hoped
TO find him."
The end of this romance is eccentric as the
beginning. For fifteen years Napoleon saw no
more of his creditor. At the end of that time
he discovered him, and asked "why he had not
applied to the Emperor" The answer was
that he had no necessity for the money, but
was afraid Of being compelled to quit his re-
trement, where he lived happily practising hor-
tculure.
Napoleon now paid his debt as may be pre-
sumed, magnifcently; made him accept three
hundred thousand francs as a reimbursement
from the Emperor for the thirty thousand lent
to the subaltern Of artillery; and besides made
him director general of the gardens of the crown,
with salary Of thirty thousand francs. He al
so gave a government place to his brother.
In April, 1915, when Napoleon was at the
head OF his army, preparing to attack the allies,
his Marshals demanded an interview with him.
They were opposed to his plan Of operations,
and looked upon an attempt to re-enter Paris
as hopeless. They proposed that he should
abdicate in favor of his son. This was also the
advice of the Emperor Alexander. Napoleon
did as was proposed but Marmont and his ar
my had surrendered on that day. After this
the allies rejected all negotiation. The propo.
sitons and offers of Napoleon to his officers and
soldiers were unheeded by them, and he at
length signed an unequivocal abdcation for
himself and family. This led to the second at
tempt to take his own life. He thus narrates
it -
From the time of the retreat from Russia, "
said he, 81 had constantly carried round my
neck, in little silken bag, portion of poi
sonous powder which Ivan had prepared by my
orders, when was in fear Of being carried of
by the Cossacks. My life no longer belonged
TO my country; the events of the last few days
rendered Inc master Of it. Why should en-
dure so much suffering! and who knows that
my death may not place the crown upon the
head of my son! France was saved"
81 hesitated no longer, but leapng from my
bed, mixed the poison in little water, and drank
it with sort of happiness.
But time had taken away it's strength; fear.
fu pains drew forth some groans from me; they
were heard, and medical assistance arrived. 1t
was not Heavens will that should die so soon
st. Helena was nv destiny"
-, - .
CHEATING THE GRAvE-The body of Spring
the murderer, who was hanged the other day, at
Philadelphia, was directed to be delivered to