Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1897-10-08

peror asked: "Why do you think so?"
Because" said Gen. Shelby, "the
war between the States is at an end,
and Mr.. Seward will insist on a rigor-
Gus enforcement of the Monroe Doc
trine, France does not desire a con-
flict with the United States l left be-
hind me 900 900 men in arms, not one
of whom has yet been discharged from
the service. The nation is sore over
this occupation, and the presence of
the French is perpetual menace. The
matter of which | have spoken to you
is perfectly feasible. l have authority
for saying that the American Govern
ment would not be averse to the en-
listment of as many soldiers in your
army as might wish to take service,
and the number need only be limited
by the exigencies of the empire. |
think it absolutely necessary that you
should have corps of foreign soldiers
devoted to you personally, and reliable
in any emergency"
Commodore Maury and General Ma
gruder sustained Shelby's views of the
case, and he went on:
81 have under my command at pres
ent about 1000 tried and experienced
soldiers. All of them have seen much
severe and actual service, and all of
them are anxious to enlist in support
of the empire. With your permission,
and authorized in your name to in
crease my forces, | can, in a few
months, make good all these promises
| have made you here to-day"
But the Emperor was silent Arising
he talked in aside with De Noue and
went out.
History now tells how true was Shell
by in his spoken judgment. When the
struggle came that Shelby had so
bluntly and plainly predicted Maxi
milan was in the midst of 5000 600
savages without an army, scarcely a
guard, abandoned, deserted and be-
trayed
AS MAMMALIAN heard the news of
defeat after defeat he turned to the
Americans and sent for Shelby. who
was then at CordOva. and Shelby. faint
at heart, answered immediately and
presented himself before the Emperor
The interview was brief and almost
sad
How many Americans are there in
the country?' the Emperor asked.
Not enough for D corporal S guard "
said Shelby frankly, and the few who
are left cannot be utilized. Your Maj
esty has put off too long. | don't know
of 200 Americans who could be gath
cred before it would be too late"
81 need 10000, said the Emperor.
you need 10000 said Shelby: of
all the imperial regiments in your
service you cannot count upon one that
will stand steadfast to the end There
are assertions everywhere As | came
in | saw the regiment of the Empress
marching out. You will pardon me if
| speak the truth. but as devoted as
that regiment should be, | would call
upon your Majesty to beware of it.
Keep with you constantly all of the
household troops that yet belong to the
empire Do not waste them in doubt
full battles. Do not divide them. The
hour is at hand when instead of num-
bers, you will have to rely upon devo-
ton. am but as one man, but what
ever single subject can do that thing
shall be done to tn, utmost"
When the Emperor spoke again his
voice was so sad hat it was pitiful.
at is so refreshing to hear the truth, "
he said "and | feel that you have told
it to me as one who neither fears nor
fatters. Take this in parting, and re-
member that circumstances never rem
der impossible the right to die for a
great principle
He detached the golden cross of the
Order of Guadalupe rom his breast and
gave it to Shelby, the sole memento of
a parting that was for both the last on
earth.