Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-01-10
pEArH or NAPOLEON.

The startling news Of the death Of
the ex.Emperor Charles Louis Napoleon
Bonaparic, or Napoleon III, was pub.
lished in yesterdays dispatches to the
LEDGER The event was quite unex-
pected to the world, aud even to his rel
atiyes and physician. His illness has
been known only few days, aud at last
accounts previous to his death no seri-
GUS danger was apprehended. The
Prince Napoleon had returned to Wool-
wich to resume his studies, DR.. Gull
went to London, and the relatives of the
ex.Emperor who fastened 10 chiselhurst
at his FIRST illness had returned home.
At nine o'clock yesterday morning
dangerous symptoms set in, his sys-
tenn rapidly rave way, and he ex-
PRED before priest, physician or rela-
tiyes could be Summoned. Even the
Prince came too late 70 see his father
alive. Two medical advisers, however,
were present, an old friend or two and
several members Of his household. A
surgical operation to which he had been
subjected no doubt superinduced his
DEATH although not the direct cause, it
is alleged by the physicians. Up to this
time there has been strong impression
in the world that the Napoleon dynasty
would sooner or later be restored. The
restless people of France, it was thought
would recall the illustrious exile and
seat him or his son on the throne.
The Bonaparte family, which is
quite extensive and powerful, and its
adherents, strongly believed that they
would soon see such consummation.
But his death dispels all such hopes.
The Prince is tender boy Of eighteen,
who, thus far, has evinced none Of the
strong qualities Of head or nerve that
carried Napoleon through so many try
ing vie,ssitudes, and no other member of
the family has made q mark worthy OF
the name in field or council. 1t will
probably be many years before another
Bonaparte controls the destinies aud
Yields the homage of France. No event
could have excited more profound SEN
sation in France and Great Britain than
this sudden death Of the ex-Emperor
who was expected yet to play a promi-
nent part in the history of the world |
His early life was full Of incident, adj
venture and remarkable escapedes Du-
ring periods of his Punishment and im-
prisonment he wrote various works on
political and military affairs, some Of
which evince scholarship and ability. |
At all times after the death of his
mother, in 1887, he keptin view his own
chances Of becoming the ruler Of
France. He was elected President of
the Republic in May, 1850, next had
himself elected for ten years, and in
1852 the Imperial dignity was restored
by a vote Of the people, and he be-
came Emperor Napoleon Ill; hence,
he was Emperor nearly twenty years,
during which time he greatly i'm
proved the condition Of his peo-
pie aud accomplished much in re-
storing the glory of France as mill
tary power and in public Improvements
Of nearly every character. The French
people always sustained him until the
unfortunate war with Germany, when !
their pride was terribly humiliated, and
public indignation followed the Emperor
even in his Imprisonment and exile.
he had his party in France until the
lay of his death, and many shared with
him his faith in his own ultimate destiny.
40 sovereign Of Europe, perhaps, enjoyed !
greater personal popularity among the
than he in his day. He under
stood human nature well, having en-
oyed rare opportunities in his travels
n this country, South America, Eng
and, Switzerland, Italy, and various
,ther countries, by mingling with the
people, and often on common level
With them. Hence, while always ambi-
ious. he had a sympathy fer the com
non people not often seen 10 men OF
.ank or royal blood, and thus gave him
\ hold on the affections of his people
hat nothing less than the terrible mis-.
AXE he made at Sedan could have de-
itreyed. When his life iswritten he will
appear high above any Frenchman who
has yet appeared since the death Of Ma
poleon l.