Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1881-07-12
-[FIern the French of Albert Milaud.,


Room to,tde Place of Execution.
tFfem the French of Albert Milaudi
torrible example has been made in Tu>
mis- Ooe of the special! correspondents at,
tached to the expedition now in the field
against the kroumirs was Camille Farcv.
well,known as, brilliant writer. He had
long been connected with La France, one of
the leading Journals. The army which he
was detailed to accompany was that of Gen.
Forgemol- This officer is martinez and en-
tertains tho most rigid ideas regarding dis.
oipline., Before the expedition left Aigiors
he, in conjunction with Gen. Vineendon.
eonoooe!sa. the following pledge, which ali
the Journalists were obliged to sign /,
----=--- --=-7-, promise upon my word and
honor to transmit no information Whatever,
either BY telegraph or by mail, or BY any
other means, without frst having submitted
my manuscript to the Cxamination of the
officer or officers as he may delegate that
power to- / further agree that any failure
to keep this pledge will expose me to the
rigors OF martial law.
This document was signed by all the cor
respondents attached to the expedition.
When Farcys turn came, he took the pen.
but it was with evident reluctance that he
signed. When he had done so, he said to
Forgemoi:
"General. sign this docnmeut enIy bo-
cause am forced TO dc so; because without
doing so could not fulfill my duty as a cor.
respondent; because without doing so |
could not accompany the expedition. Bnt
L warn yoa,isir, that sball speak the truth,
tho whole truth and nothing but The truth
touching such matters as may come under
my observation" Aud with defiant glance
at the General Camille withdrew. The old
general gnawed his Erizzled mustaohe to
conceal. his wrath He did perhaps wha.
most men would have done-be set a SPY to
dog the footsteps of Fsrcy. Tho expodient
WAS successful. Two evenings after the spy
detected tho journalist, under q disguise.
quitting tho camp. He followed aud saw
him deposit large envelope in one of tho
minor postothces upon the Algerian frontier.
He was at once arrested and conducted 10
Forgonol's headquarters.
"Aha! said tho general, ftat it already.
nay fine fellow. We'll, what have vo here?
and seized and broke open tho envelope,
"Hum-sddresses to La France. Evidently
some correspondence which you were send.
ing without my knowledge"
eyes, General" said Farcy. calmly.
Let us Ree what it u.s." said Fergemol, as
he began to peruse the letter.
"Gcneral," said Fsrcy, eoldly, permit me
to remind yeu that you arc violating private
correspondence"
Private correspondence? BAIL" retorted
Forgenol. Very private, indeed; all Paris
would kno" IL in another day." aud Ee re-
sumed his reading.
There wero some severe structures in the
letter upon the conduct of the campaign.
Forgemors reading was interrupted by
oaths, and when he finished he was purple
with wrath.
80" said he griniy, "you consider yeur.
self conpstent to judge of,tbe operations of
general in the field, do you7 Well, sir,
you shall have taste of martial law to add
to your knowledge of military Affairs"
Ferey disdained to defend himself A
court martial was Immediately convened. It's
proceedings were summary-its sentence
short: "CamiIlo Farcy is condemned TO be
shot at in the morning" --.
L vas then midnight. The doomed man
was placed in charge Of Lieutenant and
squad of soldiers. put upon a special train,
and was borne swiftly to the capital city,
Aiglers, where the exeontion was to take
place.
AT Eve O'Clock the train, Dashed into fh.
city. 1t passed under the walls of the pal.
ace where Albert Grevy, the Governor.Gen.
ersl, lives in state. The windows were
brightly lighted and the strains OF q waltz
were borne to the ears of the prisoner. The
Governor was giving ball
s'You have half an hour in which 10 pre-
parc for death" said the lieutenant compass
sienately, "would you like to have me send
for a priest ~
"I suppose" said F.rcy, "you will grant
my last rsquest2"
Yes"
Then lie. me go to the ball. I would
like to have dance before I die"
The 'efieer Bowed and repaired to N.
Grevy's palace. ss.z 81 a.
a"His request shall be granted, !" said the
Presidents brother. "Who could refuss a
dying mans requss. Z Bring him here he
shallydance with my daughter" ss5l
"Aud it was DONE The last moments of
his life were spent upon ball>room floor.
AT six O'Clock the officer spoke
s''The file is waiting" said he.
Let as CO." said Fsrcy: He sa1uted the
dancers aud withdrew. When he reached
the ground where the Els was awaiting him
he refused to allow his eyes TO be bandsged,
aud demanded permission TO give the word
Of eommsnd.
''5iay all journalists do as have done" !"
said be si. is their duty"
Then folding his arms he cried
..Fire I"
The crash of the muskets rang out. on the
morning air. Camille Farcy fell dead, pierced
with baila.