The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-11-25

1t is plain from S6Eur's testimony that, when
the Emperor arrived at Vitepsk, which stands
on what was the eastern boundary OF Poland in
its time OF greatness. he was at first deter
mined to advance no further. hut 10 abide
contented with his conqucsts for at least
a twelveinonth. We arc told that on en-
tering his headquarters at Vitepsk. on
July %. 1912. he unfastened his sword, and
finginR II on the maps with which his table was
covered, cried Here I stop. Here I mean to
rally and rest my army and to organize Poland
the campaign Of 1912 is over; that of 1919 will
do the rest" Segur holds that, Lithuanlc hav-
ing been ovcrrun. the object of the war was at
tanned nevertheless the war itself seemed hardly
begun, for Napoleon had conquered places
and not men. The Russian army was intact:
its two wings separated by the vigor of the first
attack had now been reunited. 1t was the finest
season of the year. Such was the situation
when Napoleon believed himself to have de-
cided irrevocably to stop on the banks of the
Borysthenes and of the Dwina. His line OF
defence was marked upon the map: his
sic:e artillery was marching upon Riga;
on this strongly fortified town would
rest the left OF the army then at
Dunabourg and at Polotsk. 1t would main
tain n threatening defensive. The easily
fortified Vitepsk and its wooded heights
would serve for IN intrenched camp at the
centre. Thence, passing southwark. ~ few
troops would suffice to guard tho Bcresina and
its marshes, where only a few dcfles offer pas
sage. Further on. Bobruisk would mark the
right OF the long line. and the order was given
to seize this fortress. Asto the rest the En-
peror counted on the Instruction Of the popu-
lous southern provinces: these would aid Schwar-
Zenbcrg to cxpel the Russian General Tomasof
and the French army would be increased by
their numerous Cossacks. One of the largest
landowner In those provinces had been desig-
mated by the Emperor to direct the Instruction.
In this position nothing would be lacking: Cour-
land would feed Macdonald: Samogitia would
nourish Oudinot; the fertile plains of Klubokoe,
the Emperor; the southern provinces would
provide for the remainder of the army. Mean
while, the principal magazine was TO be at
Dantzic and Its chief branches at wilma and at
MlnsS. In this way the army would be linked
to the soil that 1t had freed, and through
out the land thus liberated everything
would be ready to second the defence.
Such was the first plan OF Napoleon. He might
be seen riding about Vitepsk and its neighbor-
hood as II to recoanoitre places where he was to
dwell for IA long time. Manufactures of every
kind were started: thirty-six ovens which could
bake OF a time 20. 600 loavcs were built. Nor
were only things useful looked after: attention
WAS paid also to establishment. Already Napo-
leon was taking thought for the pleasures Of
winter. Partisan actors were to come 10 Vitepsk,
and. as this town had been deserted. ladies were
to be attracted from Warsaw and from wilma.
Thus il was that, In the judgment of Segur,
Sap0leon's star at first enlightened him. and for
tunate had he been II he had not subsequently,
taken the impulses of impatieace for inspirations
OF genius. A day is recalled when he accosted one
OF the civil administrators in these words: " As
for you, sir. see to 1t that you enable us to live