Polynesian., 1857-02-21
The Murnt Famiir.

The name of Prince Murat has been so freouene-
ly mentioned recently in connection with possible
events in Naples, that brief glance at the history
OF his family viii be found highly interesting Il
is alleged in qusrers that the Muratists con-
sttute q considerable party in the NeopOlitan CO.
minions, while in others the existence of any such
party Is unreservedlv denied. Il is also alleged
that Louis Napoleon elandestinely fayors the pre-
tensions OF ms cousin. But whatever may be the
value of all the statements put forth in the public
journals, have not learned that the Prince who
is surrounded by some distinguished enemies Of the
Bourbons of Naples is truly Indifferent to the pro-
gress OF events 10 the Italian peninsula, although
his claims to the Crown Of the Two Sicilies arc
certainly anything bat legitimate.
The life Of his late father, Joachim MGrat, Of
Naples, is one of the most extra ordinary 10 modern
times, presenting succession of those signal vi
clssitudes which occur only to the experience OF
few men, conspicuousy illustrating TIE danger
which ever attends an unscrupuous aIGbiti9a, IL
well us the instability Of the grandeur and great
ness which sometimes invest the prth of the sue
cessful aGventurer. The sen Of publican Of La
Batisde, Joachim Murit in carl life assisted il his
fathers business, which lac was destined to follow
having eyinccd desire for intellectual study, or
for mechanical pursuits. As he grew elder he SS-
came careless as 10 be utterly incapable Of o.
tending 10 the business, or even Of grooming his
fathers horses. His dissipations lid great injury
to the establishment ard ultimaf : be parted with
his father.
rowing disposition iulpclled him directly To-
wards Paris; where he earned livelihood for tine
as rG!ct d Place and rs waiter to TCsiGrrgisVr.
The employment was irksone TO enc with passion
for romantic adventure, and entering the army Ls
commenced 4 career in which he ultimately won .
crown and the fame Of bcin5 orc Of the greatest
cavalry generals who ever lived. His fortunes were
intimately associated with those Of Napoleon from
the opening Of the campaign in Italy in 1875, until
the battle Of Lepsic, while the relationship was
materially strengthened by a marriage with the
sister of the Emperor In command OF the cavalry
he performed bold and glorious feats at Marengo;
in pursuit of the AustIians fron Ulm; at Austcr-
htz, Jena, Eylau and Friedlind. He accompanied.
Napoleon in the disastrous expedition to Moscow,
conducting the retreat from Smorgni.
Joachim, like his master, did not enjoy length
ened tenure Of sovereign authority. He was pre-
claimed King of the Two Sicilies in 1868, on Ma
poleon 9 transferring" his brother Joseph to Ma
drld. Joachim was not endowed with many noble
qualities, but by great display and apparent frank
ness OF manners he for time enjoyed the good
feeling of the people. lie however subsequently,
betrayed the weakness Of his character: while the
fortunes of Napoleon were on tie wane, Joachim
looking to the safety of his throne volunteered to
Join the alliance against him !; negotiations we're
opened with Austria and England, and conducted
with treachery all sides, and it is needless to
say that they did not result to the advantage of the
wayering monarch. The news of Waterloo reduced
him to temporary DESPAIR; but in evil moment
he resolved upon one more attempt to recover his
kingdom. The fate of the ill-stdrred expedition
from Corsica is memorable. 4 gale of wind scat
tered the vessels, containing only 200 men, and.
Murat found himself at Pizzo with only thirty fol-
lowers. He was captured, and shot on the 18th Of
October, 1915, exelaimng to his executiOners as
he threw away the white handkerchief offered TO
baudego his eyes, "Ayoid the face, aim at the,
heart -