The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1884-12-06
"TO BE SHOT DEAD AT SIX"
The Fate of q French War Correspondent
in the East-A Severe Example of
Military Discipline In Tonquin.

The Fate of q French War Correspondent
in the East-A Severe Example of
Military Discipline In Tonquin.
A terrible example has been made in
Tonquin. One of the special cores
pondents attached to the expedition now
in the field was Camille Farcy, 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 General Forgemol. The
officer is martinez, and entertains the
most rigid ideas regarding discipline.
Before the expeditionary force landed
he, in conjunction with General Vincen-
don, concocted the following pledge,
which all the journalists were obliged to
sign:
81, --, promise upon my honor to
transmit no information whatever, either by
telegraph or mail. or by any other means,
without first having submitted my manu-
script to the officer commanding such expe-
dition, or to such 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
correspondents attached to the expedi-
ton. When Farcy's turn came, he
took the pen, but it was with evident
reluctance that he signed. When he
had done so he said to Forgemol:
General, / sign this document only
because am forced to do so; because,
without doing so, could not fulfill my
duty as correspondent; because, with
out doing so, could not accompany the
expedition. But warn you, sir, that l
shall speak the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth, touching such
matters as may come under my obser-
vation." And with defiant glance at
the General, Camille withdrew.
The old General gnawed his grizzled
mustache to conceal his wrath. He did
what, perhaps, most men would have
done-he set spy to dog the footsteps
of Farcy.
The expedient was successful. Two
evenings after the spy detected the
journalist, under a disguise, quitting
the camp. He followed and saw him
deposit a large envelop in one of the
minor postoffices ON the frontier. He
was at once arrested and conducted to
Forgemo's headquarters.
..Aha!' said the General. sat it al
ready, my fine fellow? Well, what
have we hereP" and he seized and
broke open the envelope. 'Hum-ad-
dressed to La France. Evidently some
correspondence which you were sending
without my knowledge
Eyes, General said Farcy, calmly.
LET us see what it is" said Forge
mol, as he began to peruse the letter
General" said Farcy, coldly, per
NIT to remind you that you are vio-
lating private correspondence
Private correspondence BAIL" re-
torted Forgemol. Very private, in
deed! All Paris would know it in an
other day." and he resumed his read
ing.
There were some severe structures
in the letter upon the conduct of
the compaign. Forgemol's reading was
interrupted by oaths and when he fin
ished he was purple with rage.
49," said he, grimly, "you consider
yourself competent to judge of the
operations of General in the field, do
youp Well, sir, you shall have taste
of martial law to add to your knowl-
edge of military affairs"
Farcy disdained to defend himself. A
court-martial was Immediately con-
vened. Its proceedings were summary
its sentence short: Camille Farcy is
condemned to be shot at six in the
morning."
1t was then midnight. The doomed
man was placed in charge of Lieuten-
ant and squad of soldiers, put upon a
special train, and was borne swiftly into
the capital city, where the execution
was to take place.
At half-past five o'clock the train
dashed into the city. 1t passed under
the walls of the palace where Albert
Grevy, the Governor General, lives in
state. The windows were brightly
lighted, and the strains of a waltz were
borne to the ears of the prisoner. The
Governor was giving ball.
You have half an hour to prepare
for DEATH" said the Lieutenant, COM
passionately. Would you like to have
me send for priestp'
Il suppose, said Farcy, ''you will
grant my last requestP"
Yes
''Then let me go to the ball. Iwould
like to have waltz before / de-
The officer bowed, and repaired to M.
Greyys palace.
"His request shall be grsnted, said
the Presidents brother. "Who could
refuse dying mans. request? Bring
him here, he shall dance with my
daughter
Audit was done. The last moments
of his life were spent on ballroom
floor
At six o'clock the officer spoke: ''The
file is waiting" said he.
'Let us co. said Farcy. He saluted
the dancers and withdrew. When he
reached the ground where the file was
waiting him, he refused to allow his
eyes bandaged, and demanded permits
sion to give the word of command.
MAY all journalists do as have
DONE" said he; ''it is their duty" Then,
folding his arms, he cried:
"Fire"
The crash of the muskets rang out on
the morning air. Camille Farcy fell
dead, pierced with balls.
The vengeance of General Formegol