Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1888-07-14
A THURLN* WEED STORY.
"he~ of his Uncle"

1t W. oe remembered that early in
the w Mr.. Weed was despatched to
Eurj6e on special diplomatic mission
corGected with the capture of Slidell and
ASison, the fitting out in foreign waters
n rebel cruisers, the blockade of South
'ern ports, &c.
His first objective point was the
French Court, and he landed at Havre.
He remained in Paris some time in con-
sultation with our Minister and others.
Then he crossed the channel, and while
in London was the special guest of the
great American banking firm of Pea
body, Morgan & Go.
One morning, while sitting in the
private Office of the firm, Mr.. Morgan
showed him a copy of what purpOrted
to be n circular letter, which was OBJ
tanned by Mr.. Morgan ut the Foreign
Office.
This letter which had been sur
reptitiously sent from Paris, foreshadow-
ed the position which Louis Napoleon
was to assume in his message to the
Chamber upon American affairs. Mr..
Weed quietly pocketed the copy, packed
his bag and Immediately left for Paris.
He was we'll acquainted with one of
the prominent bankers in Paris, whom
he had known while the latter was q
merchant in New York. The banker
was favorite at court, and on his
arrival Mr.. Weed proceeded to the
bankers chambers. He showed him the
copy, which included this passage in
the forthcoming message:-"The filling
up of the harbor of Charleston, s. c.,
is an unparalleled instance of civiliz-
ell barbarity, and it is time the Europe
an Powers should interfere" &C., &c.
The banker read it carefully then
paused All at once he exclaimed. II
have it, You know that the Emperor
prides himself upon following directly
in the steps of his illustrious uncle.
Now in the great Napoleon's reign pre-
cisely the same thing occurred by order
of the Emperor"
"But have you proof of this2' asked
Weed. "Here it is" replied the banker,
as he took down book and opening TO
the page where the order was given by
Napoleon to fill up the harbor of Cher
bourg iii order to prevent the approach
of an English fleet.
"Now," continued the banker, 81 will
arrange for meeting between you and
the Emperor tomorrow at ten o'clock.
You take this book with you and keep
your finger on the page, but look out
for Morny.'
"Will you not accompany me-" asked
Weed.
"No, that would destroy the effect
The next morning Mr.. Weed present
ed himself before the Emperor, who was
surrounded with officials, whom he dis
missed, saying: 81 have special business
with a foreign Minister All retired
but Mornv.
Louis Napoleon could talk English as
well as French, and Weed at once plung-
ed into the matter by showing the En-
peror the copy he had brought with him
from London. Turning to Morny, the
Emperor said, 1--WE have been betray-
ed" 1t proved so, as an under secre-
tary had been paid the sum of 10,000f
to furnish copy to the English.
Napoleon then proceeded to justify
his proposed measure by saying that
sinking stone barges in the harbor of
Charleston, thus shutting out the port
lloiil TIC VI tflc NCTlu, WIS
unprecedented i'll the history of civiliza-
ton.
"No, Sire" remarked Mr. Weed.
"Your illustrious uncle did the same
thing"
"When and whereof demanded Napo-
leon.
Weed then opened the book and point
ed out the paragraph.
The Emperor was silenced. Weed
saw his advantage and pursued it.
"Sire, he said, ''there are four cruisers
fitting out in French waters to carry the
rebel flag"
Napoleon paused for few moments;
then, turning to Mr.. Weed he remark
ed: "Not one of them shall leave o
French port"
Mr.. Weed retired from the presence
of his majesty, well satisfied with the
result of his visit, and returned immedi-
ately to London. The obnoxious clause
in the Emperor'e speech was stricken
ont and the would be rebel cruisers
never left French port.-Boston Trarel-
Ter.