The New York herald., 1873-12-27
BAzAIxE,s PLACE OF sECLUsION.
The Isle de Safnte Marguerite-Tho Man
I'm the Iron Mask.

The Isle dc Satntc Margucrite-Thc Man
I'm the Iron Mask.
According to cable despatch to the HERALD,
Marshal Bazaine has commenced his term OF 20
years. seclnson. in accordance with the terms OF
the punishment fixed by Marshal MacManon. The
Isle dc Sainte Marguerite, where he Is to take up
his heightened residence. is on the Mediterranean
coast OF France. opposite Cannes and about two
miles and half from the shore. 1t hes close
to the Italian frontier, and is one OF the group OF
two isles called Lerins. Ste Marguerite is OF small
extent, is covered with wood. and the climate, as
may be inferred from It's position, is Of salubrous
character Bazaine does not exactly go into exile,
nor is ne to suffer the ignominy of being trans
view the coast or france, and close at hand are
many towns and Villages where, before his eyes,
can be constantly seen the industry and every day
lie OF his fellow countrynen III one OF the most at
tractve portions OF France.
Ste. Marguerite was once before the prison OF an
individual whose life was OF romantic interest and
whose history has been the subject OF labored
and extended research. me Man in the lren
isas when he was removed to the Bastile ' The
dungeon IN which he was incarcerated is stlll
pointed out. Its solid windows are guarded by
II iron bars. The only approach to 1t was through
the governors rooms. In the midst OF small
garden Is square building with door on each
face, and evidently constructed with view to
strength and to prevent prisoners confined in IT
from escaping. 1t is understood that the con-
demned Marshal WIN be accompanied in his seclu-
sion by his vile and children, and tnat restraint
on his movements will extend to his safekeeplng.
In otner respects he will have the privilege OF
moving about within the confines OF the island as
much as he pleases.
The Man in the Iron Mask was differently
treated. He was closely watched aud not allowed
to hold conversation with any one save his jailers.
Various surmises as TO VINO this historical charac-
ter really was have been thrown out. At first 1t
was contended that he was an tlegltmate son OF
Louis NV, by de Ia valliere, who, having boxed
the ears OF his half brother, the Daupnn, was con-
demned to Imprisonment for hfe This assumption
proved uniounded. 1t was again insisted that he
was the Duke OF Beaufort, "King OF the Markets"
was the elder brother OF Louis XIV,
that be WAS o son Of Anne OF Austria
by the Duke OF Buckingham. The Queen, having
the impression removed from her mind tnat she
was barren, afterwards gave birth to the grand
monarch, who discovering, on reaching maturity.
the condition OF AFFAIRS consigned his elder
brother to q lifelong imprisonment. Conjecture
has exhausted itself 10 lind out who the masked
man was, but 1t has not yet been settled with any
thing like certainty He was transferred from one
place OF confinement to another, and on his jour-
neys wore q mask. He was removed from ste.
Marguerite In 1898, and conveyed on LITE TO the
Baste, where he was treated with distinction.
When the latter fell search was made for papers
relics that might lead to his ldentncatl0n, out
none were found. e.~.w n
CHANCES OF PARDON.
Marshal BaZalne may not consider the place OF
his seclusiOn the most agreeable, The old build
ings cannot be suggestive OF the most cheering
emotions. He Is, however, close to Italy and ne
has the Mediterranean expanse TO the north, south
and east. II desrous to escape there cannot fail
to be many favorable opportunities, Dut alter AL
the Marshal may expect tnat at the expiration OF
few years ne may be permitted by the government
that did not befal The Mysterious Man In the Iron
Mask.