The New York herald., 1870-11-10


ception room was told that all visitors at w
helmshohe had to be first announced by name to
an officer of the royal household Of his Majesty
King William of Prussia, as a branch of this SER
vice, which has been ordered from Berlin for the
duty, exercises all such functions in the castle
near the person of Napoleon. 1t happened quite
fortunately that the Prussian gentleman then
serving was personally known to ME.
He expressed his willingness to further my
ob,sy.. and one of the many richly diverted foot
men who stood arou.r was oroered 70 apprise W.
! .Petri of my presence.
| NJ. Petri received me iri the wing Of the castle
in which his business office is located. Having
| saluted fully explained to him the object Of my
! present visit and errand dwelt on the advan-
tages which would most likely accrue to Bona
parte himself from the Emperor's speaking freely
to the American people through the columns Of
the HERALD, the leading newspaper organ Of their
country
M Pietri listened to my remarks with very
polite attention. He remained slightly reserved
In his manner, and was evidently engaged for
moment in weighing my words in his mind, as If
(as 1t appeared to me) to enable him to judge of
their good faith.
FRANCES RUIN-NAPoLEoN's PATRIOTISM.
At length M. Pietri looked satisfied. He began
to take up the conversation In a somewhat
warmer manner, dwelling on the present "de-
$50 far as he knew or was acquainted with the
sentiments Of the Emperor Napoleon, he would
willingly cede bis throne to any government
which would rule for the benefit of the country"
"Alasr said NJ. Pietri, "none can be found
possessing this quality. Ambitious generals,
| lawyers and political demagogues mislead the
French people. Many Of these thrust themselves
forward to the notice Of the public
and promise to France what they
never can fulfil in her behalf. They
foist their own unripe utopian notions upon the
credulous masses. The Emperor would not,
could not argue with that class of soidsont states
men aud their deluded partsans. Hence there
was no manifesto, no act on his part. Her Ma
jesty the Empress was deeply grieved at the dis.
astrous chaos into which France was plunged,
and in the absence of which Prussia would have
been less intent on the dismemberment of French
territory. Prussia. sir, shoyld not stretch the
rope too tightly She should know and be
fully, conscious that a forcible annexation of
provinces inhabited by a hostile population will
remain a source of constant danger to herself
hereafter. Prussia's present plea of depriving
France for all time to come Of the power of
attacking her is completely untenable. How
can she hope to subjugate entirely both the
body and soul of the people? Must she not
| keep relentless watch, with loaded and cooked
self driven to an attitude of deadly antagonism
to herself? Can she dare to look away for one
instant without having fear that the wounded
foe will spring at her throat?"
At this point the eyes of the speaker were
cleaning fercely, as he accompanied his words
with energetic gestures; but he PietrD continued,
after very slight pause, thus:--"Why, sir, should
not the two natlons-France and Prussia-culti-
vate mutual friendship in spirit of generosity
conducting to their mutual happiness? Such, sir,
assure you is the fervent wish of his Majesty the
Emperor Napoleon, and you will hear it from his
own lips if he consents to receive you. I will
speak to his Majesty in your behalf and shall
soon bring you his answer.
PRISON LIFE OF BONAPARTE.
Taking leave of M. Pietri again visited the
| controller Of the royal household. Here l
gathered some Information respecting the treat
ment which is extended to the imperial prisoner
by order of King William.
| proceed to state facts. Napoleon remains
perfectly free in his everyday movements, in the
choice of his companions and with regard to his
correspondence both by mail and telegraph, hav.
| special use in the castle.
! When his Majesty first arrived at Wilhelmshohe
his suite consisted of 1O9 persons. 1t was subse-
quently reduced to fifty nine, by his own express
wish. The Emperor is at present surrounded by
General Ney, Prince de la Moskowa. Adjutant
General Of his staff; General Castlenau, Count
Ree, viscount Pajol, Prince Murat, Com
mander Kepp and Count Laurston, who are com
missioned as adjutants of the staff. The first
equerries are Count Davillier and Counts Rain
| beau and Francescini.
NJ. Pietr is private secretary to his Majesty.
His physicians are DR.. .Corvisard and DR.. Con
neau. Dr. Conneau is in London at present.
There are forty servants employed in different