The true northerner., 1896-01-10

went To Bricnne, the remarkable condt-
tion was presented of q system of military
schools I'm charge of the monastic fathers
The condition was as IL West Point and
Annapolis should be put under the ad-
ministration Of n General Conferencel The
Brienne academy was conducted by the
Minim Fathers, good men In their way
but as sources OF inspiration to lads with
the gleam of military glory in their brains
they were mere dullness and obfuscationl
The courses of study were In mathematics
geography, history, Latin, modern Ian
guages, philosophy, and such poor mis-
named science as might be squeezed from
the sponge OF clerical dogmatism In the
eighteenth century.
Such was the disciplinary fare which
was offered to the boy Napoleon. He was
now far removed from friends and kins-
men. He made the acquaintance of his
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 hair, naughty
expression, close-shut Italian mouth, SOL
itary pride of bearing and Questionable
insular suit, afforded to the throng OF no.
ble knocking effeminates among whom he
was washed up as from the sea.
On his entrance into the academy-which
was clean, well-ordered place-Napoleon
brought from the Able Chardon certifi-
Gates of moderate proficiency and the usu-
al character-sketch of himself as a pupil.
But nothing protected him from the in
ane animosity of his fellows. They jeered
at him in a manner that would have driven
a less resolute spirit to despair. Had he
been complaisant, he might easily have
won peace, if not popularity; but his de-
fiant 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 IL maddened him
not "a little. His most troublesome char
acteristio was ths-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
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
bnuf had interceded in person with the
authorities.
Getting his liberty, Napoleon sought
his own company more than ever. For
exercise he cultivated small piece of
ground as a garden There was a hedge
round about and here he could be alone
in his keep. All the while he applied him
self, with great diligence and concentra-
tion 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
the languages, giving indeed to all the
politer branches only such modicum of at
tention as was absolutely demanded.
Out of this epoch come some well-known
stories of the student Bonaparte at Bri
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
det meant subjection TO his will. While
ne 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 it,
too, according to the principles of good
enginceringD, making siege, with snow
balls for bombs, and with all the serious
ness of Genghis Khan carrying the place
by storm, may well attest his disposition
and growing ascendency at the academy.
The young Napoleon remained at Bri-
enne from April of 1879 to the year 1884
The inspector Keralio, 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 diD before his
wish could be fulfilled.
Accordingly, at the end of Napoleon's
course at 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 Is, 1859.
Height, pieds, 10 pouces 10 lignes (--l
metre, 50 centimetres, feet,
81 inches), is in the fourth class; of good
constitution, excellent health, mild dis
position (mistake there InspectorD. Is
upright, grateful; conduct very regular;
has been always distinguished for his ap-
plication to mathematics; is fairly ac-
quainted with history and geography; is
weak in all accomplishments (very true,
Monsieur ie heraiiui) anu Latin. he will
make an excellent sailor; deserves promo
tion to the Military School in Paris. +"
The character of the young Napoleon at
this period of his career reveals In one
thing depth and far-off sight that might
well have belonged to the forceful years
of his maturity. The thing related to Jo-
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
his brother on the safe ledge of the priest
hood Thus would he have him out of his
wayl 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