The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-11-09
FEMINIscENcEs or 1AoaAHoN.
lie Was Loyal, II ank and Kindly-Episode
Of the Ban.

of the Ban.
In Paris. in the revolution Of 1890, law
student was soundly kicked by one Of
the Kings officers for tearing down
copy Of the ordinances placarded on the
wall. The officer was armed, the student
was not; 50 the latter ran away. Nearly
a half-century later-in l6S-the officer
called upon the student to bid him good
bye, having just resigned the presidency
of the French Republic on account Of
radical difference with the majority OF
the National Assembly on questions OF
state policy. lie combined With his
adieux. also. graceful word Of cougrat-
uation on the students election 70 sue
coed him I'm the presidential chair. The
student was Jules Grevy; the OthCer was
Patrice de MacMahon. who has just died.
ripe In years and honors.
The companion,pictures here suggested
furnish a pretty fair index 10 the leading
traits in MacMahon's character He was
LOCAL. frank and kindly When he was
the servant Of the King, he fought Tor
the King with all his might. and would
suffer 10 contempt Of tie royal dignity;
when he was the servant OF the Republic
ne accepted it's rewards and lis Duhets
with equal serenity, needing only 10 De
satisfied Of his own rectitude Of purpose.
The French cynics never knew Just what
10 make Of his simplicity and candor'
once. while he was president the Council
Of Ministers were divided on question:
IA the affirmative side Of which Mac Mauon
himself felt the deepest interest. Nheh
they came TO vote on it, they found them
selves tied-hye voting aye and hVe
mo" Wen, gentlemen" said the pres
ident. with a sigh, II confess / am sorry
but the motion Is lost" His five oppo-
neuts exulted i'm their victory. His I'VE
associates looked respectfully astohlsheu'
but said nothing. After the meeting one
Of the latter called the President aside
M. lie President" he whispered, we
were amazed at the result Of that VOTE
but held our peace out Of regard Tor YOU
We had supposed that you we're Oh the
same mind with ourselves.
$50 1 am" answered MacAiahon' hearu-
~
"Theu why did you not assert your
right and cast the decisive vote?
upon my faith exclaimed the honest
old soldier. II never once thought n II.
on another occasion ne suddenly ~
terrupted a rather prosy dlscussloh
around the council table with the remark:
"Ah. gentlemen, / have just received
letter from the Prince Imperial lie Is a
fine young man; ] am very fond OF MIN,
and his letter is charming. | must reau
IS SO yOu."
The Ministers gasped. With one voice
they begged respectfully 20 remind M. ie
President that France WIS now repupnc
that the very existence OF "A so-cahea
Prince Imperial was something OF Whlch
their body must avoid taking oiflcial
cognizanCe. and that il would be most
compromising 10 allow such letter 10
be read and the fact 10 be entered on the
minutes as IL must be.
ION, very We'll" responded AacNe0ch'
good-natu eddy, folding the letter and re-
placing it in his pocket; IF the properties
forbid my reading it to you In your oiilci'I
capacity, l can at least read II later 10
each OF you personally" Ana ne ulu-
MacMahon's visit 10 the scene OF the
terrible foundations at Toulouse was
great disappointment 10 a beVy OF report
ers who had been dogging his steps III
order to jot down the memorable met
! ORC OF which ne was expected 10 oeilNei
himself When he came in sight or the
vast panorama Of ruin, death ana ueso-
lation they bent forward 10 eaten ms
words lie was silent for some minutes
then his lips moved
mon dleu! what lot OF water!
That was an; and the next train carried
back to Paris a whole carload OF heart
broken Journalists.
MacMahon's Kindness or heart was
once shown when, as Marshai, he was at
tending a ball AT the Elysee, and observed
a young lieutenant, lately graduated from
St Cyr, leaning against wall with an
air OF extreme detection
"Why are you not dancing?' inquired
the marshal, cLeerfully.
Il am In bad luck" was the answer.
II have just asked lady ana been
refused point blank"
DO not be discoure ged with one reoun.
! Show me the lady Perhaps ! know her.
The lieutenant pointed out the occupant
Of chair in the next room. The Marshal
laughed.
You must not aim so nigh" said he.
''The wives OF Margtals OF france rarely
! smile upon the suit OF a young lieutenant
| That is Madame de MacMahon. sue
never dances: but / think she Will on
this OCCASION 10 oblige me
AS good as his word, Re went To MS
| wife and related the Incident. she
yielded graoiously. and gave the next
quadrilie to the lieutenant, who vent
through the figures flushed and trium-
| phant. He was ever afttr one or the
good Marshals most enthusiastic worship
| pers.--Kate Fields Washiigtonian.