The Republican journal., 1873-01-16
Death of the Ex-Emperor.

"hiNii WV JOeSio utoO NOulu lINO PlONuSCu
the greatest excitement, if not civil COM
motion in Europe, scarce creates ripple
on the current of public events. There
are but few so poor to do him reverence,
Notwithstanding his remarkable career,
and lately exalted rank.
The mother of Louis was the daughter
Of Josephine, the first wife of the great
emperor, and his father was Louis, King
of Holland, and youngest brother of Ma
Tuilleres, in April, 1908 His parents
had lived separated for Il long time pre-
vious to his birth, and grave doubts exist
ed as to his legitimacy. The emperor,
with whom the child was favorite, COM
manded Louis to acknowledge him as
legitimate. But the other branches Of the
family were accustomed 10 speak of him
as ga kite in an eagles nest" until his
sudden rise made such speeches impolitic
After the tall of his uncle. Louis and his
mother resided in varions European
countries, completing his education and
waiting for some turn in events that
might restore the imperial reign. AT every
opportunity in the changing fortunes of
France, he offered his services as a soldier.
which We're always refused by the reign
ing powers. Still he studied, planned and
wrote, always with view to the throne
of the empire, tor the only legitimate son
of Napoleon was dead, and Louis was
heir TO the monarchy.
In 1886. came the attempt at a revolt
ton at Strasbourg. Some old soldiers of
the empire had been led to favor him
Suddenly Louis appeared before the sol
diers of the garrison and IN a harangue
endeavored to gain them over A few
cried 'Long live the emperor" but the
unsympathizing portion of the garrison
quickly restored order, and took the rash
adventurer prisoner. His mothers sup
plications saved his life, and he was again
turned loose, a wanderer. Four years
later a yet more insane attempt was made
al Boulognp, which was accompanied by
ludcrous incidents. Accompanied by
about fifty persons he left England, and
reached that town. A tame eagle that
had been trained to eat beeisteak from the
hat OF Louis, was a part OF the display
that was to win the hearts of France But
on landing they were received by fire of
musketry, the bird refused to take his
meat, and the adyenturer was made prs-
oner. Tried for treason. he was sentenced
to perpetual Imprisonment in the fortress
OF Ham. Six years after he escaped in
disguise, and took refuge in England. In
two years more came the long sought OBJ
portunity in the revolution Of l34S, which
exilcd Louis PHILIPPE
Louis Napoleon went at once to France.
was elected to the National Assembly, and
subsequently President Of the Republic.
He schemcd and plotted with the one
purpose Of personal ambition. The mask
was thrown off in 1851, when he effected
q revolution by arresting at midnight all
the members of the assembly opposed to
him, and thrustlng them into prison. The
road to imperialism was then open. The
reign OF Napoleon was probably a sam
pie OF the best government for France
strong and arbitrary During the whole
of it Napoleon was a schemer and dis
t1Th,1r ~ tho ,Nf I
success against Russia and Austria he
turned his attention to America, and en-
deavored to prop up an European mon
archy in Mexico. II was the turning
point in his fortunes. Frenchmen can
tolerate anything except failure and in
Mexico Napoleon terribly failed His
army was withdrawn, and Macmillan
lost his life Then came the terrible war
with Germany, in which the French
emperor, lured by ambition and false
hopes. dashed his army against the iron
organization Of Germany, and lost his
army, his liberty and his crown. And
now, last act in the drama he has died an
exile and an outcast from the country that
he ruled so despotically.
Thus lived and died man of most re-
markable career, and one who had known
the bitterness Of exile and poverty, as
we'll as the splendors of monarchy. His.
tory will write him as one who displayed
none OF the qualities Of true greatness, hut
as selfish, mean and cowardy. He lived
only on the memories Of his great name
sake, and had nothing in and of himself
that should raise him above medocrity.