The New York herald., 1874-09-12

Of the disasters to the French army and complains
bitterly OF the Duo d'Aumale. who had pronted py
the opportunity TO place himself on record, and
continues
The only feat OF arms performed by this young
soldier, who pretends te be snle to judge Mar
shal like me. was his adventurous march to sur.
PRISE the camp OF Abd-el- Kader, and capturing the
women and cattle. A few months passed in Africa
is not sufIicent TO make Q military man ana to
pc rmit him 70 appreciate the conduct of COM
mander-in-chief
Alter lengthy enumeration Of the circum-
stances under which he accepted and exercised
his command, the writer continues as follows:-
HE DABBLEs IN POLITICS.
MY excuse for engaging in politics is that did
so IN spite OF myself and because the revolution
lists had done before did. I had sworn Al
legiance to the Emperor and the constitution ap-
proved Dy the popular vote. l held my command
from the Emperor and not from the insurrecttonary
governments, an unworthy faction that took ad-
vantage Of the absence Of the Emperor and the
army to invade the Corps Legislatf be-
heved the Emperor of Russia would come
to our assistance; that Victor Emmanuel might
pass the Alps and pay the debt OF gratitude he had
contracted at Magenta and Soierino. II
that be to medde In politics then did but those
who reproach me with It as q crime have done as
much without any authority.
AN UNsoUkD VERDICT.
The court martial has found way to condemn
and to absolve me at the same time, and In the
same breath declare me criminal and Q nero
They were puzzled what course to pursue. Their
duty urged them to apply Draconian law, their
consciences told them was guilty neither OF trea-
son nor OF conspiracy. Three years after the
events subordinates sat in judgment ON the chief
Of the army. Peace being signed, all found need
10 direct their anger aga inst some one and % the
Emperor was no longer there was chosen as the
object OF general attack. Those who before the
war demanded universal disarmament who would
have urged rebellion had the Emperor attempted to
introduce the Prusssn military system. accept it
to-day.
NAPOLEoNS FRIEND.
The Emperor, understanding the situation,
always had confidence In my loyalty, and would
never consent to abandon me- MY gratitude Ia
also due to Theirs, who had the courage to defend
me on my return from Mexico. I am convinced
that had he not been overthrown he would have
found means OF avoiding the disgraceful trial to
which was subjected
ALsACR LOST.
The loss OF Ais ace has been imputed to me, but
the truth is that Alsace was lost after Rechschop
pen. Even after the disaster, and after the pre-
cipitate retreat Of the army Metz could have been
saved when Thiers who alone retained his COM
mon sense, came to propose peace; but the strug-
gle was continued In order that the dictatorship
might be retained and the organization OF def
mite government prevented.
THE MILITIA AND THE PRussIANs.
The enemy could never have been crushed with
raw levies without discipline or ardor; defeat fol-
lowed defeat and when nothing remained we
were completely in the power of Germany. The
pretended motive was to save the national honor,
bus the Army Of the Rhine had saved 1t before the
demagogues thought Of doing 3d. In one oay It
had inflicted more loss on the Germans than did
all the forces Of Paris In four months.
UNPoRTuNATE, BUT NOT RIDICULOUS.
MacAahon and / have been unfortunate, but
never ridiculous. No German ever laughed while
nghting me. Such sights as were seen at Paris
and at Tours could only compromise tho national
honor. For myself lam an old soldier, and do
not understand politics. make war; not
speeches, ana do not allow myself to be frightened
by big words.
| Jules Fsvre nattered me; Gambetta called me .
traitor; but that did not move me.
| THE DEATH OF HAxIxILIAN.
AS regards Mexico the Emperor had to choose
between, evacuation and war with the United
i States. To avoid conflict he gave tho order &C
return; but Maximilian was unwilling either &c
return to Austria or to abdlcate, although he well
understood that Napoleon could not sustain 9
struggle with the United states. Maximiian, in
spite Of wise connses, preferred to seek honor
able DEATH That is the trurh and shat Is the ex-
tent OF each ones responsibility For my consola-
tion the thought remains that even Washington
did not escape injustice and that Lafayette passed
through ordeals more terrible than mine.
CONSULTATIONS IN MISFORTUNE.
| am far from being rich; but, besides my lib
erty, there stil remain to me unreasonable
treasures. For companions have an American
lady who gives me the strongest proofs OF devo-
ton; Ihave children ADORE brother and some
friends who have remained faithful. Ny position
is not hopeless; II need should be would follow
the example Of the conquered Richmond and take
refuge in labor. simple soldier, carried q mus
ket: labor does not dishonor. do not look on
my military career as ended; enjoy health and
bodily vigor. Some duties remain to be fulfilled.
and / shall fulfil them when the time comes;
hope fortune will grant me last SMILE ss she often
does to old soldiers. hre
Accept, dear Mr.. Bennett, with all my thank s.,
renewed assurance Of my most distinguished con-
alteration. MARSHAL BAZAINE.
GREAT PIRE IN NDDLBTOWN.
Destruction OF Two Manufacturing Es-