Little Falls weekly transcript. (Little Falls, Morrison Co., Minn.) 1894-19??, 1895-03-08


schoolmates; admired one Of them-Bou-
rienne-and seemed to love another-Des
Mazis; but his character and manner were
rocks of offense to the rest OF the hundred
and fifty. Nothing more striking has been
presented in personal annals than the con-
trast which the poor Corsican lad, with his
solemn face, long, stiff black hail, naughty
expression, close-shut Italian mouth, SOL
itary pride Of bearing, and questionable
insular suit, afforded to the throng of no
bic, knocking effeminates among whom he
was washed up as from the sea.
On bis entrance into the academy-which
was clean, we'll ordered place-Napoleon
brought from tho Abbe Chardon certifi-
Gates of moderate proficiency and the usu-
al character-sketoho Of himself as pupil.
But nothing protected him from the in
ane animosity of his fellows. They jeered
at him in manner that would have driven
q less resolute spirit to despair. Had he
been complainant, he might easily have
won peace, If not popularity; but his de-
faint air seemed to challenge the attacks
of the contemptuous crowd.
Deep down In the situation lay the prov
ocation of poverty. The boy perceived
the disparagement to which he was sub
jected on this score, and 1t maddened him
not little. His most troublesome char
acteristio was this-that he would not
follow in anything. He would lead. He
would be first or nothing Assumption Of
leadership and the air Of it brought on
him still greater contumely. The bitter
ness of the situation sometimes came to
the verge of bloodshed. Once he got him.
self arrested for challenging another to
fight him on account of an insulting re-
mark about his father. The sullen boy
went muttering to the guard-house. Nor
was he restored to condition until Mar
beuf had interceded in person with the
authorities.
Getting his liberty, Napoleon sought
his own company more than ever. For
exercise he cultivated a small piece of
ground as garden. There was hedge
round about, and here he al ne
In his Keep All the while h an. m
self, with great diligence and c. >centra-
ton of mind, to those studies which he
preferred. Such was his willfulness that
he virtually made his own curriculum.
While becoming proficient In geography,
history and mathematics, he neglected
tho languages, giving indeed, to all the
pOllLoE UCduCUoS OlJIy euCu 1uOuACul11 u tAu-
tention as was absolutely demanded.
Out of this epoch come some well-known
stories Of the student Bonaparte at Bril-
enne. In course of time, his fellow cadets,
understanding him better, became first
tolerant, and then friendly. Friendship
in the case Of the proud and arbitrary ca
Diet meant subsection to his will. While
he could not be companionable in sports,
he could and would command. The exist
ence of the tradition about his dividing
his fellows into two armies, building a
fort In winter out of snow building 1t,
too, according to the principles of good
engineeringO, making siege, with snow
balls for bombs, and with all the serious
ness of Genghis Khan carrying the place
by storm, may we'll attest his disposition
and growing ascendency at the academy.
The young Napoleon remained at Bril-
enne from April Of 1870 to the year 1884.
The inspector Kerulio, coming from Paris
to the military school, discerned in the
slender cadet from Ajaccio the hints Of
promise. The method was in such cases to
send up students from the minor acade-
mics to the Military School of Paris.
Sometimes promotion was made directly
to the navy; and this was considered a
great honor. 1t appears that the inspector
would have had Cadet Bonaparte sent to
the fleet; but the officer died before bis
wish could be fulfilled.
Accordingly, at the end Of Napoleon's
course Mt Brienne, he was recommended
for promotion to the military school in
Paris. At this time, namely, in 1884,
when Napoleon was in his sixteenth year,
he was personally described by the inspect
or in the following terms: IN. de Bona
parte (Napoleon), born August ID, 1863.
Height, 4 pieds, 10 pouces, 10 lignes I'll
metre, SO centimetres, 3 feet,
2. z inches), is in the fourth class; of good
excellent health, mild dis
position (mistake there, InspectorD. Is
upright, grateful; conduct very SECULAR;
has been always distinguished for his ap-
plication to mathematics; is fairly &C.
quainted with history and geography; Is
weak in all accomplishments livery true,
Monsieur de Keralio) and Latin. He will
make an excellent sailor; deserves promo
ton to the Military School in Paris.''
The character of the young Napoleon at
this period of his career reveals in one
thing a depth and far-of sight that might
we'll have belonged to the forceful years
VI uAo uuOuIAVys Liz OuAuS IoAdVou W OO>
seph his brother. From his childhood he
had discerned his own natural superiority.
Usually the elder subordinates the youn-
ger. As early as the coming to Autun,
Napoleon excogitated the scheme to lodge
bis brother on the safe ledge Of the priest
hood. Thus would he have him out of his
way! Given a military career for both,
and Joseph must be, by seniority, before
him. But nothing shall be before him.
Arguments fit for Richelieu are found
why Joseph shall enter the Church, rise
TO distinction, be a Monseigneur, and by
that way defend, support and advance the
prospects Of the family of Buonaparte.
As for me, will accept the hardships of
the military life; and maybe something
beyondl There are on record several sub
tie communications written by the young
casuist, strongly urging the priestly
office as the one thing suitable and advan-
tageous for Joseph. Our future king Of
Naples or Spain or both, willingly obe-
dent to the imperial scepter, shall testify
TO our presoience and brotherly wisdomi
JOHN CLARK R1DPATH.
wluie's Reasoning Power.
"Isn't 10 bettah, " said Willie Wishing
ton to his father, Ito let anything alone
% 10 hoS 1roy