The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-08-15

A0OApH6 Nlets NAarenal OIL france.
BY the death Of Marshal Mel, which occurred yes
terday. in Paris at early hour OF the day, Napo
icon is called upon sustain the OF one of his
ablest and most energetic advisers and supporters.
It is not too much to assert that the Emperor OF
France could better have spared any other Of the
numerous men OF prominent ability with whom he
has surrounded himself than the soldier whose de-
cease is announced by cable telegram. published
elsewhere.
HIS EARLY LIFE.
AdOphe Mel was born on the 4th OF october, 1902,
at Muret in the Department OF the Haute, caronne.
His parents, though Of the middle class OF society.
were persons of standing and responsibility, and
possessed influence sufficiently great to obtain his
admission to the Polytechnic School OF Metz in 1921
after giving him thorough education. In 1923 he
entered the Ecole dAppication suis.lIeutenant in
the engineer corps. Four years later he grad
uated with high hOn0rs His as q student
was marked by unusual ability. OF proud am
bilious temper. he almost detested the idea OF any
other surprising him in the subjects which con-
stituted the course or studies at the school. He
consequently devoted himself with assiduty to his
books, and so marked was his success that at the
time Of his graduation brilliant career was pro-
phesed for him. TO what extent his after career
fulfilled the prophecy the capture of the Maiakon
and his conduct at the battle OF Solferino tell.
HIS MILITARY CAREER.
Marshal Mel obtained his commission as lieuten-
ant of engineers In 1927, and became a captain in
the corps in 1881. In the year 1882 he sailed for Al
gera, where he served actively and with distinction,
at War for his conduct at the capture OF Constan-
tine. He was also rewarded by promotion to COM
rose rapidly being lieutenant colonel in 1912
colonel IN 1S46, and chief OF the staff engineers at
20 as 1b 70 10 & here ne
by Napoleon with the commission Of general OF br
gade was despatched IN the duty Of carrying the keys
Of the city to his Holiness At Gaeta. Returning to
France, he was placed In direction Of the Depart
ment OF Engineers under the Minister OF War, and
which be was rromoted April 80 1853. In 1854 he
marched with an evolutionary corps to the Baltic,
taking command OF the engineers at the siege OF
Napoleon on his return. In January. 1856. General
Mel went to the CrImea, charged to investigate the
progress Of the siege. In this he decided that
complete investment OF Sebastopol was necessary,
was right and proved 1t. Being appointed engineer.
in-chlef OF the French army, he assumed the
to order the CONSTRUCTION Of ooncensr c ines mes
Of approach toward the Malakoa. for the
purpose OF ., cover covering , the "a advance Of the
great skill with which these lines were constructed
enabled the French to achieve complete success
arms but for the great engineering skill OF the Mar
shall. few days after the fall OF the Russian strong
Honor ne He was created senator Of France June U
1857. In 1858 he went to Italy 70 demand from Vic
tor Emanuel the hand Of the Princess Clotide IN
Italy, 1852 he commanded the fourth corps of the
Army Of the Alps, and was particularly distinguished
at Solferino After the peace ae wss created Mar
As Senator Of France and as one OF the Cabinet
Ministers OF Napoleon the deceased became dlstin-
guished for the vigor with which ne defended the
policy Of the Emperor. AS speaker he lacked the
suavity OF Rouher and was not so ingenious as that
willy statesman. He was. however, bold and cutting
In debate, never falling to administer sharp castI
Of W he haF m IN
spite of his impulslveness be was always careful
not to leave himself open to assault for what he
said. In 1857 he was appointed Minister OF War,
which posirion held at the time Of his death. His
administration of military AFFAIRS characterized
Zine :" Of the Contest between Prussia and Austria
France was unprepared for war. The army was
soon as he assumed control Of the War Once the
work OF placing the army on war footing was COM
menced, and N little time it became, as it now
exists, equal II not SUPERIOR to any force at present
recent reorganization Of the Emperor's Cabinet
Although no liberal in his political views his SER
vices were too valuable to Napoleon to ne lost The
most conspicuous feature In hrs career has been his
devotion TO the head OF the French nation. The
Will Of Napoleon was his law. Personal or constt-
tutional government were abstract questions IN
OF the Napoleonic dynasty. Had the En-
peror at any time ordered him to sweep
opeyed with sIacrty: and he would not have hes
tated an instant to reduce the army to $4,000 men
HAD order to that effect emanated from the same
quarter. This almost blind devotion to Napoleon.
added to his great talents made him trusted, and
did much toward elevatlng him to the high position
he attained. Never Disgusting his hostility to
Prussian ascendency In CONTINENTAL politics, and
ardently favorng trial OF strength with that coun-
G nc ~ Ss s m
doubtful n another military man can be found In
France at the present day who combines within
him the Quslities which characterized Marshal Mel
There are several other commanders noted for the
brancy OF their careers during the contests with
Russia ana Austria, but none who can equal the
deceased hts peculiar talent for command and i'd
minlssg ation-