The New York herald., 1870-01-19
o BIT RY
Frnncis Vincent Raspaii.

Francis Vincent Rnspaii.
Ihe death of this famous French radical politician
wnioh u announced BY cablc telegram published
elsewhere relieves Napoleon from ono OF his bitter.
est and most determined enemies. N. Raspal was
born on the 10th Of January 1875. as CarpentraS
and was consequently nearly seventy Ave years OF
age. Az the Seminary or Avignon where he COM
pieted his eduction ho displayed brilliant talents
dellveringa course Of lectures on philosophy when
but seventeen years old, and another on theologI
year later. 1t was the intention or his parents that
he should enter the Church, but his MIND was avcrsc
to the life OF priest and he declined to take holy
orders soon after the battle OF Waterloo and second
restoration OF the B0urhons he moved to Paris and
for time earned living by teaching. In 1925 he
became connected with Bulletin des Sciences OF
Ferussac, and after remaining with It fow years
established tho Arsales deS Sciences DObser0atiOn
In partnership with NJ. sargey. Entering actively
Into politics NJ. Raspail took q prominent part in
the revolution which placed Louis Philippe on the
throne and received wound during the contest
between the soldiers ana the citizens. AS reward
I0r MS services Louis Philippe offered him position
under the government, bat he declined the offer
and subsequently refused 70 accept the Cross or the
Legion ol Honor, with which the Kiag desired to
decorate MIN. The cause OF his conduct
towards the monarch whom he had aided
was MS strong republican sentiments. His Intense
dislike of Lnonarchcal institutions singled him
out ior prosecution by the government. In the or
society that finally effected the overthrow OF Louis
Phillppe, he was conspicuous His bold utterances,
ihcting the people to revolt brought about his trial
for disoyaty and incarceration for several years.
while III prison he gathered the materials Tor his
well known work entitled Reform peultenuairo,n
winch appeared III 1889.
On obsaInlng ms release Nj. Raspaii again plunged
into political oonspiracies, and when the revolution
or lSlS broke out, was conspicuous leader OF the
people. lie led the vast crowd on the evening oil
February "a that gathered before the Hotel de yle
and proclaimed tue republic established before 1t
was even officially decided what form Of govern
ment would be established. When order had been
restored M. Raspail found himself placed In the
background and others who had done less tnan
he given prominent Oiices. Aggravated by
this slight he incited The 20
counter revolution, and was OF the leaders IN
the abortive movement OF May 49, For this ne was
arrested and 10 Vincennes, and IN April, lSsg.
tried and found guilty OF treason and sentenced
TO i've years imprisonment Al Doullens In spite OF
hs confinement one OF the districts OF Paris elected
hlm member OF the Assembly, but ne WAS not per.
mtted TO take his seat Al the election Tor PIesi-
dent he was candidate and received 5000 votes.
On she expiration OF his term prison NJ. Raspa
released. He promptly quilted France ana went TO
Belgium, where he engaged In literary pursuits and IN
pOlitical intrgues against Napoleon. AT the election
Tor members OF the Corps Ieglsatu last year he was
returned for the Department OF the Seine, ana has
since participated in all OF the debates He was one
men opposed to the government OF Napoleon in any
manner or shape. m. kaspail, although a repupiI-
CALL was not OF the sort that exists In this reblic
Ms VISA Tasr % Sllsa e aasss9 ASssgYgltss.au sgg
OF his opposing Napoleon that he VIII ever remain
q conspicuous figure IN French politics than be-
cause OF any statesmanlike views he expressed
Whatever be the merits OF the cOntendng principles
IN the French empire IS certain that the death Of
so impusive man as NJ. Raspail cannot be regarded
as serious loss to France He was quite capable o
OvershrOwing . government, but utterly unable 10
establish one on the foundation Of Social order.