White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1857-10-15
Mistfaarrtuls.
The Poet Beranger.

Beranger is dead! Few of our readers but
have read Of him, if not read his products. His
influence has been powerful, and will be lasting.
Here is what contemporary says of him:
He was at once great poet and great man.
As song writer he has never been equalled-
not even BY Robert Burns. His name was al
ways word of power in France. His lyrics
were sung by the people, and were always forth
coming whenever word was wanted in defiance
Ofthe contemporary tyranny, in praise of France,
or in support of the good cause. From his ear
lieIt youth, he was identified with the conflicts
Of democracy against aristOcracy, and under all
dynasties he was the same Beranger-Tenny-
sons ideal Of poet
"DOwsred with the hate Of hate the scorn Of seoFn
The love Of love-"
Though he was proud of the glory Napoleon
had shed over France, still his patriotic eye was
not blind to the Enperor's tyranny; and the
powerful though gOod-humored satire of lie
Roi d'Yvetot," made the puissant conqueror
vince upon his throne. The restoration of the
BOurbOns was considered by Beranger, degra-
that family, or the obsequious and unwise states
men of the ancient regime who learned nothing
from adversely. The governments both of Louis
XVIII. and Charles K. endeavored to silence
him by bribery, but he preferred his honorable
and independent poverty to the profitable base
ness which they offered him. His song entitled
lie sarce de ChIrles lie Simple" was particu.
larry obnoxious to the Ministry of Charles K,
which determined to prosecute him for sedition
and impiety. The result Of the trial was as might
have been anticipated. The poet was condemn
Cd to two years Imprisonment in the dungeons
oil ST. Pelagie and to pay fine of 10000 francs.
But his iuperturabls philosOphyresolved to make
the best even Of this, and his friends, (for this
time he had many,) formed the same resolution,
and they raised a subscription to pay the fine
imposed upon him. His imprisonment was turn.
ed into an ovation. His table was provided with
every delicacy which wealth could supply. The
= gentlemen sent him the choicest viands and the
ladies' sent him flowers and frlits; and on the
reception days, permitted by the authorities Of
the prison.. people of all classes paid their re-
spects to him till his dungeon was as gay and
brilliant as a sovereign's palace at a levee.
He was thrice subjected to imprisonment by
requirements Of Louis XVIII, and Charlie,
X with the most beneficial effects upon his pop.
uiarity and his fortunes, and with no i'll effect:
upon his health or his comfort Prosecution but
increased his fame and power; and imprison.
ment gave him literary leisure, which he turned
70 admirable account in the production of new
songs.
At the Revolution of ls4s, he was elected TO
the National Assembly as one of IN. renre.e..
tatives for the city of Paris. But he peitberso.
heited nor desired this honor, and refused to
take his seat on the plea of age and falling
health. The Assembly at first refused to accen,
his resignation, but ultimately accedod; and Be.
ranger remained what he always had been-su
observer Of not an actor in, the great drama Of
public life.
de died on Thursday, the 18th ult., at the
npe age Of seventy seven, in full possession Of
al his faculties, and vas buried the next day al
"e cemetery of Pere Ia Chaise, under circum
stances most unusual and remarkable, which
S"o" how great a power in the State was the
1r'ef OF songs, and what an influence he exer
''seo both in his life and in his death over the
minus OF his countrymen. For powerful EN-
Pior was obliged to call out hundred thousand
.CiOlers lest the peace OfParis might be disturb
~ ~ ne passed TO the grave amid the synpa
.uies OF Republican and revolutionary popula
,'On. Never before was poet SO feared or &
honOred.