National Republican., 1874-06-01
BAZALNE IN CAPTIVITY.
THE ABODE OF THE DEFENDER OF
Nl 1,I ON ST MARlIIERITE

THE ABODE OF THE DEFENDER OF
MLTZ ON ST. MARGUERITE.
A correspondent of the London Daily TeIs-
graph supplies to that journal, under date OF
May 9, the following account of q Visit to Mar
shal Bazaine:
At Cannes we took Q boat modelled amer
those used 1000 years ago, and very soon we
had reached Ise 81. Marguerite, which is about
three miles from the mainland. On arrival It
is necessary to ascend steps some 200 feet to
the fortress, which is built upon the roof, ana
-oYerhangs the oSesn. The garrison consists OF
one company, about 125 men. was escorted
to the presence of Monsieur Marchez, Cor
sican Director Of the Service for the Interior
Denartmeut. who is the controller of the fort
and guardian Of the prisoner. Desiring that
nv companions might be permitted to look at
the inside OF the fortress, made the applica-
tion. but message had to be sent them out
side the walls: mo one enters here without
permission from the Government"
The director instructed subordinate TO es-
.cort me to the Marshaps apartment. We
passed through the guard-room and ascendod q
staircase to reach an open space, paved with
bricks. in front of Bazaine's window. On en-
tering the room the Marshal met me at the
door, ond cordially pressed my hand. Let me
here say l found nothing In his appearance
changed. His manner was as easy, unaffected,
and composed as ip the days of his freedom
sad power. Before entering observed to the
director 81 do not know your regulations, out
have half dosen morning papers, which |
have brought for BszRine, If it Is permitted.
t'Eet at all. He cannot receive anything,
{ BaZaine's sittinssroom is small but comfort
able one, neatly and plainly furnished. Hang
ing upon the wall was fine likeness Of the
Pope, with 9 Latin autograph. A bright boy
of eight, handsome girl of i've, and chubby
younrster of three were racing and romping,
clustering and lsugbtng, heedless Of the Mar
shsI's repeated injunctiOns, in patsrnei tones,
to keep quiet. They at least knew no unhappi-
ness.
We have chatted for some time, occupied by
me mainly in giving him information on con-
Temporary incidents. Then we sailed out upon
the paved promenade, bounded by the parapet,
where a small space was reserved for his use,
and there we paced up and down, discussing
various topics in connection with current events.
The parapet in front of his door extends about
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 one hundred
feet beneath. Along the sea-wall another par
apet runs perpendicularly to the first one, until
1t reaches a wall some hundred feet distant.
Towards the interior newly constructed wall,
about twenty feet high, connects the house with
the fortress. Possibly this was done to pre-
vent possible sympathizers from demonstra-
tions or offers Of service.
If anybody wished to escape from this place
1t seemed practicable enough. Looking over
the battlements, the descent is not difficult ; 1t
could be made with very little exertion, and
boat stationed beneath might easily carry OF
at night an escaping prisoner. But such
thought would never enterthe Marshall s brain &.
He has been always rather indignant that they
did not crown the edifce of his persecution by
shooting him. But as the Government did not
dare to do that in the face of the civilized
world, he is content to bide his time, and live
under the fostering care of Frances present
rulers. Il gratihed him much TO hear from me
how great and general had been the expression
of dissent out of France to the finding of the
court. A colonel Of the late Paris Commune
had Just been degraded, and / mentioned the
desripti on of his mental suferings, as given by
the Par isian press. "This is something that
you, at least, have been spared by the dispen-
sstion from that infiction," said 1. "But, !"
said he, 1.-THE moral punition has been exc
cuted all the force of the law has been exert
ed against me, and should not have suffered
any more at the mere humiliAting ceremony.
fpreferred to have been shot, but the suthori-
ties did not wish it. And my opinion of the
conviction, and my own easy conscience would
which they might have chosen to take"
The view from the Psrapet was magnificent,
the outlines Of the coast showing villages and
chateaux, interspersed with groves; promon-
tories jutting into the sea; while at one point
lofty mountains came out in bold relief. The
elevated amphitheatre in the background was
covered with forests and the rich verdure Of
spring. A gay 1otilla of sailing boats dotted
the waters Of the bay. While we promenaded
Nine. la MaerchRle came out and joined US,
taking her full share In the conversation.
She Is Mexican, with dark, lustrous eyes,
black eyelashes, and eyebrows beautifully
curved, mouth indicating unusual resolu-
tion, and radiant, lovely face. 20 far as
communications with the outer world are con-
oerned, the wife is q prisoner under exactly
the came regulations as the husband. During
e brief interval, while the Marshal was en-
gagged with the Director, turned to the Mare
chsle, and expressed my own, and, / think,
the general admiration of her wifely devotion.
Her reply appeared to me touching and dig
ni6ed. 'In Mexico The women, as well IS the
men, are all braU. Ahey do not desert friends
IN extremity. When married the Marshal
was seventeen. He WAS at the summit Of
power, with fortune and friends to support his
future, and not shadow to overcast It. He
gave me that bright and enviable position; and
when power, and fortune and friends have van
shed, my place is by his side, TO share the
crust of bread and all the privstions with the
same devotion and affection that were due to
him in the zenith Of his prosperity" Subse-
Quently, alluding to q fervid eulogy on her
conduct in one Of the Paris newspapers, 81 did
not see it" she said, adding with 8 contempt
uous snap Of the fingers, 81 do not care that
for it. The outrageous treatment of the Mar
shal has made ne as utterly Indifferent to pub
lie opinion as if none existed"