The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-11-10


war-Interview Between a Special Corre-
spoudent OF the Herald and His Majesty
at wilhcInshohe.
On another page Of this mornings paper we
publish complete and highly interesting
report of an interview between one of the
special correspondents of the NEW YORK
HERALD and his imperial Majesty the Empe-
TOR Napoleon in the now celebrated palace
prison at Wilhelmsh0he. This detailed and
graphic description Of our correspondents
visit and of his conversations with persons in
attendance on the imperial prisoner and with
the Emperor himself has been transmitted
by telegraph direct to the HERALD
at great expense, and is another
illustration of our enterprise in present
ing to the world the most interesting
and valuable information that can be obtained
concerning the unparalleled events of con-
temporaneous history which are now absorb
ing the universal attention of mankind. The
Emperor willingly availed himself of the
opportunity thus afforded to speak frankly and
freely to the whole civilized world, through
the columns of the HERALD, of the causes,
the progress and the consequences of the
most wonderful war of modern times; and
the statements Of the imperial captive, trans
lated, as they will be, into different languages,
will be read with unusual interest in every
quarter Of the globe.
Snow had fallen on the mountains and the
lowlands, lending peculiar appearance to the
surrounding scenery on the morning that our
correspondent walked from the neighboring
hotel to the chateau. Sentinels at the differ
ent portals of the palace and detachment of
artillery stationed in the grounds served not
so much a guard to prevent escape
as guard of honor to tho fallen
Emperor. A host Of foreign princes and dis
tinguished citizens of various nationalities, in
Gliding a number Of Americans, had been
attracted to the neighborhood with the hope
of obtaining q glimpse of Napoleon in his
exile but such visitors, prompted by curiosity
alone, were invariably unsuccessful. All
officer of King Williams household in attend
ance on the Emperor and the officer detailed
for that duty happened to be personal
acquaintance Of our special correspondent.
Before being admitted to the presence Of
Napoleon our correspondent had very inte-
resting conversation with NJ. Petri, his Majes-
tvs private secretary, which resulted in secur-
ing the interview desired. He pointed out the
advantages that might accrue to Napoleon by
his Majesty's speaking freely through the
columns Of the HERALD, and the
sagacious secretary soon saw that the
opportunity thus presented to Napoleon
must be improved. There is something ex-
ceedingly sad and touching in the expressions
Of M. Pietri, who was overwhelmed with sor-
row at the misfortunes that had befallen
France and the imperial dynasty. So far as
he was acquainted with The sentiments of the
Emperor, he said, Napoleon would willingly
concede the crown to any authority that would
govern France for the benefit OF the country.
But, alas he mourned, none such could be
found for now ambitious, selfish men mis-
led the people, and made promises
to France which they were unable to
perform. Napoleon could not convince such
persons of their error, and consequently he
had issued no manifesto. but calmly awaited
the issue Of events. Eugene, he said, was
doubly grieved at the disastrous chaos into
which France was plunged, in the absence of
which Prussia would have been less intent on
the ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of France. The folly OF
the arrogant assumptions Of Prussia was
pointed out by NJ Pietri, who dwelt upon the
impossibility of her subjugating, body
and soul, forty millions of people, and
of peaceably maintaining the annexation
of provinces containing hostile population.
1t was the fervent wish of Napoleon that there
should exist between France and Prussia a
permanent peace, based on generous sympa-
thy and conducive to the happiness of the
people Of both nations.
The readers Of the HERALD to-day will in
stinctively appreciate the contrast which our
correspondents graphic narrative suggests