Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-04-27
THE CAREER OF A WONDERFUL MAN

There is always following for the man
who succeeds in physical proves. Bou-
LANCER for this reason is adored by the
belligerent element in France. He stands
to the pugnacious Frenchman as the ideal
of hero. As Othello was adored by Des-
demona for the dangers he encountered
and the victories he achieved, so is
Boulanger admired by the Frenchmen for
the wounds received in their service. He
has been exceedingly adroit all his man
hood life in keeping himself before the
never let slip any occasion to strike an
attitude appealing to the military instinct.
In the Franco-Prussian war, in the midst
Of so many striking heroic figures, he did
not secure so much Of attention, but he
was nevertheless locally prominent, and
spared no effort to have his daring and
military skill blown about the public ears.
He had laid the foundation for claiming
attention by his conduct in Algiers, where
AZ hao III DOAhAANo0j pSAoCfesA "a
posure and military daring. Unlike most
great Generals, he is never modest in ac-
cepting the public acclaim. He never yet
has retired from and put aside popular
plaudits, but is always ready to appear to
bow his Acknowledgements and make the
decorations that cover his breast Jingle as
ne bends. He has been marvelously
fortunate, for though often wounded and
reckless in placing himself in the teeth of
danger, he has never been brought to the
very gate of death There is no denying
Boulanger's bravery, but it is his love of
popular applause that robS his heroism of
half its due.
Like some other of the men who have
involved France as Boulanger now threat
ems to do he is but half Frenchman, his
mother being English. 1t is the strain OF
cooler blood, possibly, that makes him cal
culating, while the more nervous impetu.
osity Of the Frank impels him to daring
deeds and to laugh danger in the face He
was graduated from the military school Of
st. Cyr, and had his first notable military
experience in Algiers. There he was
wounded by a lance in the side, but coolly
drew out the head and continued his
movements in the field. He put himself
in the front in all fighting. and with fool
hardness exposed himself telling his aids
to convey information to him in the fight
ing front, instead of from it.
In the campaign in Italy he became a
very prominent figure because of his reck.
less daring. 1t was in this campaign that
large ball was shot through his body
without seriously affecting vital part. A
saber cut laid open his skull, but he re
covered bit of shell cut into his breast
but he merely staggered, and instantly re
sumed his former position horses wert
shot under him so frequently, that in dis
gust he choose to move on foot rather thar
change saddles so frequently In Cochin
China he was wounded several times, bu
got off with weeks supervening fever
In China he was called by the Mongols the
French Devil that none cotld resist, anC
mis- reckless daring astonished all who wit
messed it. He was there wounded by
lance-thrust in the side that was too sever,
to be put aside. 1t compelled him to re
tire to France, and the war was over before
he recovered. He has ever since limpet
and walked "one sided, so to speak. II,
was made Chief Military Instructor of tn,
military schools, and in that position wa
admirably situated to win the affections o
the military class. In the Italian cam
paign he won two promotions and tn,
cross of the Legion of Honor, and il
the Franco-German war he woi
four promotions, all for gallantry in action
and during these aud the war in Chin;
was decorated so frequently that his mar
row breast is scarce large enough to Civ,
place TO the blazing stars, crosses, wreath
and regalia of "orders."
As a military man hts courage, DARN.
and material service to his country which
won for him the Portfolio of the War De
partment under Grevy, are not to be de
MED or in any respect belittled. Hi
military success and wonderful escape
from danger have, indeed, been such tina
it is no wonder the impressionable peopl
of France believe him to bear a charmed
life and look upon him as the savior VIII,
is to restore to France her old possession
and wipe out in German blood the defeat
of the past. Had he remained simply
General all would have been well bu
when he became politician, and as a rad
ical Minister of War appealed to the oil,
spirit of revenge that SAUNDERS in tn
French bosom, he became dangerous t,
France. An impressive often fer,
speaker, his untiring activity, his patriots
appeals to the glorious reeollectious o
France, have put him upon the very eres
of popular favor. In the army his nam
Is reyered for all he did for the Frencl
soldier when the armies of France wer,
placed under his control His schem,
to reorganize the army, though distruste,
by all the leading military men of tn
Republic, was popular with the people
and crowded the bill to abolish the volun
teer system and establish universal mill
tary service, from the Chambers calendar
He was able while controlling the army t,
introduce many reforms making the sery
ice of the soldier less irksome and un
pleasant. He provided better beds 70
them, abolished many harsh regulations
introduced simplicity into drills, took til,
old-time knapsacks from the shoulders o
the men, repealed the rule requiring tn,
men to shave, Abandoned drills and par
AIDES on Sunday, established new holidays
founded an officers casino in Paris
and crushed out many abuses in theservic,
and in the War Office. He secured tn
collection of much war material, had tn
order made for new repeating rife Will