Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-09-17

Edward Kings Pau, Letter in Boston
Journal
Gen. Boulanger, the minister of war,
still remains n prominent and striking
figure in French politics. He has not
yet ceased his mission OF reform, al
though all the mandarins in the army
endeavor to thwart his progress to-
ward n sensible and economical con.
duct OF military affairs. Although he
has not the the entire sympathy OF
the Parisians, who perhaps dread in
novations more than any of their
provincial compatriots dread them,
he has the confidence of the masses
throughout France. Some of his
measures have been made merry over,
such rs the order making it obligatory
for soldiers and officers to wear their
boards. This order by has no means
improved the appearance ofthe French
soldier OF the time, who needed, never
theless, the full profit of all the
advantages which nature had
bestowed upon him. Gen Boulanger
does not in any manner contribute TO
the belicose spirit which is again be-
coming popular in France; in fact. |
think he would deprecate it rs un-
sound and unwise. But he does every
erything he can to carry stern and
unbending discipline into the army.
lie has been renowned for brilliant
qualities in campaigning ever since he
became n soldier. Gen. Bourbaki and
Col. Boulanger were the two men in
the unfortunate army OF 1S70-7l
whose reputation for fine feats or arms
was national.
During the final struggle between the
troops of the government and the
commune young lieutenant had been
ordered to take at the point of the
bayonet n barricade which command
ed the road to Paris. His superior
officer had ordered him to take with
him a few men, to approach the barri
cade under cover OF the night, and
to charge the moment that they
were discovered. at is desperate,
mission, said the officer, ''but ~
the barricade you will prob'-|cehind
the cross of the Legion oto!y hnd ,
The young lieutenant wa" Honor.
this risky mission; aX,s delighted at
was about to staxHd at midnight ,,
pany of troop, - with his little com ,
LANCER app when he saw Col. Bou-
greatlyy~roaching. Al this he was
that disappointed, for be feared
nv the colonel would take the COM
<tnl, as he would have the right to
%, OF the little troop. But no,
aid Boulanger; II have come just TO
ollow your company as an amateur, .
nd shall have nothing to do with
he command" So the company OF
oldiers went forward TO within 60
ards of the CommuniStic barricadc,
where Col. Boulanger and the lieuten-
mt and the men all threw themselves
pon theground and had almost reach
q the lire OF defense when the COM
nunist sentinel saw them and appear. ,,
d to civethe alarm. 1--WE are dlscOV.
red said the young lieutenant. We
hall have Vollev, and we shall lose
alf our men" Not bIt OF IL, an
wered Col. Boulanger This Is what {
re must do. | must rise up quickly and
raw the fire. They will miss me, and
efore they can load again you will
ush and take the barrIc9de. But" l
aid the lieutenant, lit Is my duty TO |
ssume that dangerous task Not ,
bit OF it, said Col. Bou'auger, land
you insist upon it, l shall exercise
ny privilege Of taking command. Rise
p only when l tell you. Cor. Bou- {
anger then wentforward and attract =
q the attention ofthecommunist SEN
incls, who fired upon him. Their fire
ras followed by a general volley, init
midst OF which Boulanger's voice was {
card crying: "Theyhave missed meas
said they would. Forward now and
axe them by storm. ~ The barricade
ias taken with but theloss ofonema