The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-06-19
THE BATTLE or WATERLOO.

THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO.
Yesterday was the anniversary Of the
hattie Of Waterloo. which took place on
June IS. ls15 1t was one OF the most
notable battles In modern history. aud
itE name has passed into an adage II
might well do so: the result CT the day
not only decided the fate Of an empire.
and changed tho face Of Europe, but it
marked the decline OF great man. The
decline hac been gradual, and his critics
see that In the battle Of Waterloo there
was not merely an accident of war, but
proof that the man was not the Same
as him who had been the hero OF 1875.
II is remarkable instance of the irony
of fate that fortune should desert him at
the very time when he had resolved to do
his best as an administrator. On his re-
turn from Elba he had resolved to aban-
don his crusade Of territorial acquisition.
and was to rule France as a hero OF ma
tional independence Of modern ideas. He
was to Be no longer the dictator or en-
peror. but the liberator, infusing new life
into France and carrying out exalted ideas
Of national advancement. But the years
of Incidence and self qualification had un-
made the soldier: he had become Dream
er and pliabls through physical sloth-
fulness. which had made more attractive
the triumphs Of peace. It was said Of
him by Garnet that before he became en-
peror he never needed sleep, and could
sleep at will, but that after he became en-
peror he became sleepy when he should
have been awake. Only few months be-
fore the war which ended In his over
throw, he issued a manifesto in which he
declared that he had endeayored to
organize a grand federal system in Gu
rope which he regarded as agreeable to
the spirit OF the age. and favorable to
the progress OF civilization. and for this
purpose he had adjourned the introduction
OF free institutions. but that hencefor-
ward he had no other object but to in
crease the prosperity Of France by
strengthening public liberty.
He did not deceive the powers of Eu-
rope: they declared against him. and is
sued proclamation putting him outside
all civil and social relations and consign-
ing him 10 public vengeance as an enemy
and disturber OF the peace of the world.
Napoleon had no alternative but to take
up the challenge. He knew what odds
he had to face. but the risk was worth
taking. The allies had in the field more
than 10000 men, Napoleon little more
than 20o0Oo. There were already English
troops in Belgium. where they were en-
gagged in establishing the new kingdom
| OF the Netherlands. and there were Prus-
sian troops In the Rhenish provinces
which had Just been given to Prussia
| He advanced into the country, intending
| to divide and beat the force In turn, as
| he had the Austrisns and Sardinians
| earlier in his career, but he met yelling
| ton and Butcher instead Of Coli and
| Beauieu.
| 1t was a short campaign: 1t lasted but
three days. Leaving Paris on the 18th
| OF June. Napoleon was back again on
the 3lst. his own fate and that Of his
empire decided The number engaged In
the campaign is generally accepted to be
| on the part Of Napoleon 49, 400 men.
| many OF whom were veterans. and on the
part of Wellington about loSOao The
battle was. therefore, evenly fought. Ma
| poleon seems tn have aroused himself to-
| wards the end of his career. His dash
into Belgium was brilliant. and In his
/ last victory over the Prussians they left
| 1900 on the battlefield. ale in. however.
severely condemned by military critics
for his Incidence and inef,lciency in this
last campaign. Whether those faults
| were better seen because he was unsuc-
cessfui. or whether. as a matter Of fact.
he was unsuccessful because of those
faults. he left the field . thoroughly
beaten man.
| II offer myself a sacrifice to the hatred
OF the enemies OF France: my public life
Is finished" Not only did he abd.cate,
but his services soldier were refused
by the directory. He was hunted and no
refuge was SAFE. He surrendered 10 the
British after writing letter 70 the prince
| regent. In whith he said: "A prey to the
factions which divide my country and to
the enmity O. the greatest powers in
| Europe. | have terminated my public
career. ana I come like Themistocles to
seat myself az the hearth OF the British
people. | place myself under the rroiec-
tion OF its laws. which ciaiTn from your
roys. hiShness as the most powerful. the
mos, constant and TIE most generous az
my enemies"
TIE British have bean condemned for
their treatment OF Napo.eon. but he was
regarded as u monster by the common
people. ana a menace by The govern m MIS-
Even IN France his life would scagcs!y
Rave been spared. and Biachsr talked of
executing him OF the spot where the Due
d Eaghien had fallen. In the face Of the
frenzy which followed bis surrender. the
British government acted with courage In
limiting retaliation 10 his confinement at
ST. Helena