The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1884-09-27
ITO BE SHOT AT SIX,

The Melancholy Fate of French War
Correspondent in the East.
From the Paris Figaro.
A terrible example has been made in
Tonquin. One of the special correspon-
dents 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. This officer is 8
MARITIME, and entertains the most rigid
ideas regarding discipline. Before the
expeditionary force landed lie, in con-
junction with General Vincendon, con-
cocted the following pledge, which all
the journalists were obliged to sign:
|, --, promise upon my honor
to transmit 10 information whatever
either by telegraph Or by mail, or by any
other means, without first having SUBJ
mitted my manuscript to the examina-
ton of the officer commanding the expe-
dition, or to such officer or officers as he
may delegate that power to. l 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 reluc-
lance 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 observa.
tion." And with defiant glance at the
General, Camille withdrew.
"The old General gnawcd his grizzled
moustache 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 jour-
nalist, under disguise, quitting the
camp. He followed and saw him deposit
large envelope in one of the minor post
Offices upon the frontier. He was at once
arrested and conducted to Forgemol's
headquarters.
Aha - said the General, sat it al
ready, my fine fellow. Well, what have
we here? ~ and he seized and broke open
the envelope. "IIum-addrcsSed to La
France. Evidently some correspondence
which you were sending without my
knowledge"
eyes, General, said Flrcy, calmly.
Let us sec what it is, - SAID Forgemol,
as he began to peruse the letter.
General" said Farcy, coldly, "per-
NIT me to remind you that you are vio-
lating private correspondence.
''Private correspondence Bah ~ re-
torted Forgemol. Very private. in
deed all Paris would know it in another
day." and he resumed his reading
There were some severe structures in
the letter upon the conduct of the cam
paign. Forgemol's reading was inter-
rupted by oaths, and when he finished
he was purple with wrath.
60 said he, grimly, you consider
yourself competent to judge of the oper-
ations of general in the field, do you?
Well, sir, you shall have taste of mar
tial law to add to your knowledge of mil
itary AFFAIRS
Farcy disdaned to defend himself. A
court-martial was Immediately convened.
Its proceedings were summary-its sem
tence short: Camille Farcy is con-
demned to be shot at in the morning"
1t was then midnight. The doomed
man was placed in charge Of a lieuten-
ant and squad of soldiers, put upon
special train and was borne swiftly to
the capital city, where the execution was
to take place.
At $50 o'clock the train dashed into
the city. 1t passed under tho walls of
the palace where Albert Grevy, the gov
ernor general, lives i'll state. The VIM
dows were brightly lighted and the
| strains of waltz were borne to the ears
of the prisoner. The Governor was Civ
ing ball.
You have half an hour in which to
prepare for DEATH" said the lieutenant,
compassionately ''would you like to
have me send for a priest ."
Il suppose" said Farcy, you will
grant my last request?'
"Yes."
Then let me go to the ball. would
like to have a waltz before die
The officer bowed and repaired to NJ.
Grevy's palace.
ellis request shall be granted said
the Presidents brother. "Who could
refuse dying mans request? Bring
him here he shall dance with my daugh-
ter"
And it was done. The last moments
of his life were spent upon ballroom
floor.
AT 6 o'clock the officer spoke
THE file is waiting" said he
LET us 60" said Farcy. He saluted
the dancers and withdrew. When he
reached the graund where the file was
awaiting him he refused to allow his eyes
to be bandaged, and demanded permis-
sion to give the word of command.
May all journalists do as have DONE"
said he; sit is their duty" Then fold
ing 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 Forgemol
was accomplished.
| How He Got Position.
81 applied for position in a banking
| N ST. SiS