The Grange advance., 1874-06-24
BAZAlH M CAPTIVITY.
The Abode, Lite and Hopes Of the
.~ Prisoner.

! TAe ASode, Lie ana Hopes Of the
Prisoner.
| I'VE reprint the following story OF
Bazaine's captivity, as he is the General
| whom the French politicians have
made the scapegoat, for the failure of the
German-French War. If America had
failed in the Mexican war, and imprisoned
Major General Scott, it would have been
about as just as the punishment of
Marshal Bazaine.
An occasional correspondent of the
London Daily Telegraph supplies to that
journal, under date of May 9, the follow
ing account of a visit to Marshal Bazaine
A few days ago started off early in the
morning from Mentone on journey of
three hours by rail to Cannes, for the pur-
pose Of paying visit to my old friend
Bazaine. The french government had Civ
en- me permission nearly two months ago,
but sad circumstances intsrvened to pre-
vent me availing mysely of their consid-
erstion. The railway curves gracefully
round the beautiful shores Of the Mediter-
4anean, and passes through a series of
towns whose pleasant sights and healthful
climate have them {avorite Winter resorts
ever since the days of the Romans. At
Cannes we took boat modelled after those
used 1900 years ago, and very soon we
had reached Isle St. Marguerite, which is
about three miles from the mainland. On
arriving it is necessary to ascend steps
some 200 feet to the fortress, which is
built upon the rock, and overhangs the
ocean. The garrison consists of one COM
pany, about l25 men. was escorted to
the presence of Monsieur Marchez, a Cor
sican, Director Of the Service of the In
terror Department who is the controller Of
the fort and the guardian of the prisoner.
Desiring that my companions might be
permitted to look at the inside of the tort
ress, made the application, but mes
sage had to be sent them outside the walls :
"No one enters here without permission
from the Government" Politely enough
the Director received me, and instructed a
subordinate to escort me to the Marshal's 8
apartment. We passed through the
guard-room and ascended staircase to
reach an open space, paved with bricks, in
front of the Bazaine's window. On enter
ing the room the Marshal met me at the
door, and cordially pressed my hand. Let
me here say found nothing in his ap-
pearance changed. His manner was as
easy, unaffected. and composed as in the
days Of his freedom and power. Before
entering I observed to the director, 81
do not know your regulations. but have
half dozen morning papers, which I have
bought for Became, if it is permitted. -
"Not at all. He cannot receive anything" !"
So laid them on the mantelpiece, know
ing l could easily tell the Marshal all the
news. But it seemed to me restriction
entirely superduous, and not in keeping
with civilized ideas, thus to deny prison.
er of State the privilege Of reading what
was passing in the world. Bazaine's sit
ting-room is small but comfortable one,
neatly and costly furnished. Hanging
upon the wall was fine likeness of the
Pope, with Latin autograph. A bright
boy OF eight, handsome girl of FIVE, and a
chubby youngster of three were racing and
romping, chattering and laughing, heed
less Of the Marshal's injunctions, in pa
ternal tones, to keep quiet They at laast
knew no unhappiness the bright color of
youth and health and all their movements
proved that their hours flew fast away up
ON Joyous wings. We chatted for some
time, occupied by me mainly in giving
him information on contemporary in
| cidents. Then we sailed out upon the
paved promenade, bounded by the para
pet, where small space was reserved for
his use, and there we paced up and down,
discussing verious topics in connection
with current events. The parapet in front
OF his door extends abouth eighty feet
the width of the pavement is about thirty
feet. The height Of the wall is about
eighty-three feet, and one looks over at the
sea breaking upon the foot of the cliff 100
feet beneath. Along the sea-wall another
parapet runs perpendicularly to the first
one, until it reaches wall some hundred
feet distant. Toward the interior newly
constructed wall, about twenty feet high,
connects the house with the parapet, and
cuts off all communication with the fort
ress. Possibly this was done to prevent
possible sympathizers from demonstra-
tions or offers Of service. An effort had
been made to establish miniture garded
| inside the space within the sea-Wall but