The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-10-17
From the French of Augustln Chevalier
DECIMATED.

1t was seven in the evening when we arose
from the table, where the conversation had for
an hour or more run on the civil war which
| had Just desolated Germany. General Bourde-
Iaipe, q tall, why specimen of the dRcen officer
W hon no one would imagine to be vergipg up
on bis eighty fourth year, and who very prob
ably will in the year one thousand eight hun
dred and lightweight celebrate the eighty
second anniversary Of his leaving the military
school in 1905, invited US for coffee into the
study where ordinarily none but his most init
mate fricuds are admitted ; for the general,
although on the retired list since 15i5, has not
yet begun to seek the repose OF inactivity, and
/ have seen in that study of his an entire series
of strateaical plans (afterward published by
the minister of war) of the principal battles of
Napolean in Champagne against the allied
forces!
The study is large, although it seems small,
so filled is every piece of furniture, shelf, and
hook with coins, arms, plans, papers, portraits,
busts, statuettes in marble and in bronze, books
globes, and drawing instruments, and all these
not in absolute disorder, but in an apparent
confusion which the general finds very conve-
| nient, inasmuch as everything is within reach.
It was not the first time had been there.
For the first time, however, on this PARTICULAR
frame hung on the wall opposite the chimney
piece, in q recess formed by two large book
cases. A brilliant point in the centre, which
reflected the light Of the lamp attracted my
Legion Of Honor, TO which was attached, under
the glass, q large band Of Grape which stTetch-
ed to the four corners of the frame On the
left of the frame, on the outside, hung huge
silver watch, and on the right tho golden acorn
of q sword knot.
The daughter of the general entered at this
moment, followed by servant bearing coffee
and all the accessories upon tray. There
were now five of MS in the room the general,
his daughter and his son-in.law, government
clerk and myself Each one began in silence
eral, whose glance had unconsciously taken
the same direction as mine, suddenly exclaim-
ed:
"What horrible thing war is! did not
enter the service until the time had come when
men no longer went forth to meet the enemy
through patriotism, but moved merely by the
desire of winning rank or fortune, or by the
love of glory ana honor l was present 81
f1trhFfuf; l have seen nearly all the miracles
Of Tire Emperor's genius, and bore my part in
the reyerses tickle fortune inflicted upon him.
Will after all, " hat did it amount to The
tortnn. Of war is one of the chances of the
trnds You conquer are conquered, kill
or are killed. The ranks close mp, and
then-room for the bravest or most favor
ed the most skilIfu1 or the luckiest But to
be forced to fire upon your own men to be
compelled to decmate pittileesly your own
brave companions to kill in cold blood excel
lent soldiers, whose only crime was single
days mutiny, but whose example might risk
the discipline and safety of the entire army
to kill, say, men whom the very lntoxlcation
of victory led TO believe that their iault wo4ia
Is most fearful and saddest of all this it is
that still max les my old heart bleed more than
fifty years after it happened and when my
thouShts revert to it, even though conscience
remain tranquil, something very like remorse
pursues me-" NH.
der Cross and Grape recall cruel memories"
He nut down his cup without replying, filled
a small glass with cognac and swallowed it at
one gulp.
to make from Jomlni ana Fanooncourt T.
eyes, mon general"
Very good give me them. And now ser
vice for service. will confde to you an cpl
sodein nv military life of which you may make
what use you think proper. lauthorize you to
do So" .,,
what follows.
Mvrauk in the service dates from October,
1905. jena and AusterlitE won me my epau-
Iettes of sous- lieutenant. In 1907 made the
Polish campaign, and in 1908 the Spanish The
following year was recalled to Germany, ana
saw Ratisbon and Wagram. Napoleon after
the battle halted in front Of my regiment to
learn the names of those who had distinguish
"Iii did" cried the colonel bat, IL your
majesty viii permit me, would especially
recommend the Lieutenant Bourdelane to your
favor"
The emperor looked at me.
isYou come from Saint-Cyrp
Eyes, sire"
"How many campaignsf
"Three."
"And still q lieutenant"
II have had no chance to rise before this"
(which do you prefer, the cross or promo
tionp
promotion, sire"
Nv replv was not that of a courtier. But
he loved the young men of his schools, and
thoae above all. who, like me, had not await