The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-07-20
A PERSONAL SKETCH OF THE MARQUIS.
His Opinion About the Present
Condition of France.
In Favor of the Repubic-Down
on the Empire.
France and The United States Friends and Sis
ter Republics Forever!

The Marquis de Noaes the new Minister OF
France to the United States, arrived In this city
yesterday by the steamer ST. Laurent. Pending his
formal presentation in washington the HERALD
hastens to bring him to the nearer acquaintance
of the American people. For this purpose the
writer called yesterday evening at the Brevoort
House, where the new representative OF the French
republic is now staying. The simple and unassum-
ing manner of the French Minister soon broke the
ice of formal restraint, and both the interviewed
and the interviewer thawed into verbal fuency.
The conversation was carried on partly in French
and partly in English, the Marquis speaking the
latter almost as well as his mother tongue.
HOW he LOOKS.
Before entering into an account OF the interview
II will not be amiss to give brief sketch OF the new
representative of La Belle France. The Marquis de
Noailles is tail and spare in form. He wears full
beard of reddish hue; his hair 1t Is unnecessary
to say, is OF like color. His face denotes good ma
ture and has the sleepy and studious look of q
savant His dress Is as simple and unpretentious
his manner. He probably lacks that "suppleness'
which Mr. Fsh's Muscovite friend thinks requisite
In diplomatist, but he Is what his own coun-
trymen would call q traye honan,e The
Marquis de Noailles is the second son
Of the Duke of that name, and was
born in 1880 at the Chateau dc Maintenon. His
great granduncle-a Marquis de Noailles-was o
brother-in-law of Lafayette and took part with
him in the American War Of independence. This
remarkable man was subsequently, impoverished by
the Revolution, and returned to New York. where
he entered banking house for the sake OF gaining
livelihood He afterwards fell in naval engage
ment with the British On the coast Of Cuba. The
new French Minister IL also descended from the
celebrated Nine. dc MantenOn.
HE Is A LITrERATEUR
by prcdelict!on as well as descent having written
historical work In three volumes, entitled "Henri
III. ct Ia Poogne en- 1892 +" besides many pamphlets
and literary contributions to magazines and news
papers, The post OF Washington viii be NJ. de
NOalles first experiment in diplomacy.
After some desultory remarks the writer natu-
"What do you think, NJ lie Marquis, about the
present condition OF France ~
81 think France is in fair way of repairing the
terrible destruction caused by the war. Nearly all
the public buildings, houses and bridges which
have been DESTROYED are being restored public con-
1dence has returned and
TIE REPUBLIC Is NOW ON A FlRMER BASIS
than 1t was even a few months ago."
"But VIII the republic last NJ lie Marquis ?"
"a think it win remain the ultimate form OF gov
eminent. am strongly in iavar Of moderate re-
public and ! believe that 1t is best adapted to the
wishes OF the masses in France. M. Theirs govern
ment is doing wonders in repairing Our disasters
and paying OF the war debt"
"But M Theirs Is very old man; suppose he
should Gle 2"
'rrhat would be q great misfortune to France
under the present circumstances, for the govern
Ment is as yet so unsettled that
NJ. THEIRS Is INDISPENSABLE"
"But he has never been in better health than
now. He will, probably, live many years yet. The
term or the present National Assembly will expire
in about eighteen months Then we shall have
country, large majority OF republicans will lie re-
turned 10 the next Assembly. The Left Centre, or
represent the public sentiment, ana they win con,
stitute the majority. We shall then, probably,
have two Chamlers-a higher and lower one-as
you have IN this country. II heaven spares NJ.
THEIRS life for at least two years longer
TIE REPUBLIC WILL re CONSOLIDATED,
OF q single man."
.'ls there any truth, NJ. lie Marquis in the report
a triumvnate geo Consisting OF Marshal McMahohI,
General Ladmirault and quo &c Brog'ic ~
81 do not believe word OF it,
''Then III. le Marquis IS firm republican 8"
"Wen, j am not republican In the sense the
word is generally Understood. do not belong to
the republic party yct-and this may seem para
AM IN FAVOR OF TIE REPUBLIC.
In fact, have never meddled with politics This is
the beginning oil my public career. l kept aloof
IRON the imperial government, deyotng my time
an ONCE under the empire"
'Is there any chance for the return of Napolcon9r
"None whatever. The French people are heartily
sick OF tie empire. Besides, the Emperor Is old and
innrm lie has signally shown his incapaclty. No.
sincerely hope ana believe that the empire will
never be restored. Should such an event, however,
happen against all probability, then there NJ. lie
Marquis waXed warm) would
THROW UP NY DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENT
and settle down in America
"And declare your intention to become peace
full law-abiding citizen Of tie United States ~
swell, no; though II is an honor to be an Amerl-
can, yet ] would not change my nationality. l
should remain here, but j should live and die
Frenchman"
Washington is a dull place compared to Paris.
How VIII the republican simplicity OF the Presi-
dents Court suit you, NJ. lc Marquis?"
"With the society 0! few friends and the bust
ness OF the legation time Will lot hang heavily on
my hands Resides ] lot fond Of show;
shall rather like your republican simplicity"
"DO you anticipate friendly relations with our
government. NJ. lc Marquisf
"0ur relations cannot be otherwise than friendly.
There IL no difficulty or unpleasantncs5 existing
between France and the United states.
ARE WE NOT BOTH REPrDLcs2
really cannot conceive how any difficulty could
arise between the two countries"
u suppose you urc well acquainted, sir, with the
particulars Of the French arms AFFAIR."
"Cb, yes. Everybody tho leads the papers knows
all about that But the arms affair was not mat
tcr OF dii.lomacY. II was simply u subject Tor the
investigation OF the legislative assemblies OF both
countries The parties concerned were, with the
exception OF the Consul IN New York, oil private
individuals. The Marquis dc Chambrun for in
stance, wac not connected with the French Lega-
uon IN any Official capacity
During the remainder u the conversation the
Marquis spoke IN grateful terms OF the reception
formed the writer that he win deliver lis creden.
tials "a soon as President Grant win be ready TO
receive them that he wiz take Madame Ia narquisc
TO Newport to day and then so TO Washington to
make the necessary arrangements for hls future
residence.
CALITCRHlA.