Omaha daily bee., 1898-08-07
III.
A Council of Wnr.

"Ah W hNA WV III ~ AhN - w
Hsvre.
Tell them" said Jerome, that France
and 1 conquered the Sahara-surely, then,
we are equal to the lesser task set US by
Germany"
May I be informed as TO your personal
Intentions 2"
"only this, that 1 go direct to Paris TO
consult with the king. But, monsieur, a
word in your ear. Make much of the help
given ms by the British war ship. Quote
It as an earnest OF English good will 10
France. This war will not be an affair of
moments, and when the stress comes 1t will
be well to have England at our back. Do
you understand"
Fully. monsieur. Your wishes are law
20 every patriotic Frenchman."
And now" said Vansittart, "let us change
roles. What news have your"
The journalist glanced around nervously
to make sure he was not overheard. I'll,
monsieur! France is unprepared. The
newspapers claim victories won for our
arms, but each such victory heralds a
German advance. / fear the worst and have
abandoned hope. Who can extricate us
from this miserable position?"
The Millionaire had long ago measured
the French character and knew how to mold
it to his will. II have come from America
HNh u sNiohb IA NOh
fdence begets success. Tell France to be
confident"
The Figaro used the phrase as a head
limo next day.
No intelligence, not even the unexpected
declaration OF war, had created such a thrill
of excitement throughout the country as the
announcement of Jerome's landing. And
when the laboring wires bore to every
center of population the full details of his
sensational escape in mid Atlantic, coupled
with his first cheerful words of encourage
ment, excitement passed from fever heat
to delirium.
The magnetism of the hour spread to the
army. Next day the northern German
column sustained a severe check in the
vicinity of Verdun. When an apparently
impregnable flank was turned by a French
brigade, each member of which fought with
a vigor and determination that upset the
scientific calculations of their opponents,
the rallying cry of the fighting line was,
1--WE are sent by the emperor"
Paris wept with Joy.
When Vansittart reached the Care st.
Lazare he found soldiers and p~opulace in
Imminent danger Of conflict. The authorities
had detailed thousands Of men to line the
street and three regiments Of cavalry to
assist the infantry.
But the people would not be repressed.
They wanted to see, to cheer, to touch their
idol, and for a little while their frenzy
threatened to end in bloodshed.
Everybody saw him, everybody cheered
him, and all were supremely delighted.
This was one side of the question, the
other presented itself when, an hour after
he reached the Tuileries, he Joined the king
and his principal officers Of state in the
council chamber.
Here gloom took the place of jubilation.
With downcast and saddened faces the chief
men in France made him cognizant of the
bitter truth.
They seemed to invite reproach by their
words. A neglected army, a depleted navy,
deficiency in guns and stores, skeleton
divisions and inferior
were the rusted weapons they opposed 10
the FURNISHED panoply of Germany.
A plethoric treasury was their worst in
dictment. Money was being lavished now
but was 1t not too late?
Only once did Vansittart betray resent
ment. When he heard of the meagernes'
in munitions and supplies he said, doubt
ingly and surprised:
"Can this be possible with Pompler at TN
head of the Department.
Silence followed his question. The mem
beers of the council looked at each other
until the king passionately explained:
II protested against it, Vansittart, pu
court influences were too strong TOT me
Admiral Pompier was placed on the retire
list, the department was split up into naVa
and military branches and they are con
trolled by the Comte de la Feray-Mltler an
Baron de Champmai, respectively
Are these gentlemen at present discharg
ing the same responsible duties?' SAID van
sittart, with asperity in his tones.
Yes
at is not their fault, probably. Liancoul
will YOU see to it that Pompier is recalled
nv telegram, and given complete contro
If he thinks these titled nonentittes ca
help him, let them be retained. If not, the
can be provided for elsewhere"
Liancourt smiled. This man, inscrutaoI
to others, was an open book to Vansittar
II was easy to see that he ~rejoiced at ii
end OF palace intrigues.
One member of the council was not please
at this first indication OF the millionaire
methods.
The fat, pompous, fussy Due de Tangie
who became secretary of the navy becau!
he owned a successful yacht, rose and pr
tested angrily.
Your majesty, 1t is a matter OF precedel
that in such a serious matter as mat II
yolved in the proposed change the oplnlC
OF the responsible authorities should
sought. /, as head OF the naval servlc
protest against Mr.. Vansittart's method
dealing with this council, headed as 1t Is
your majesty in person. :
Who are you?" said Jerome, coolly. 1
felt assured that he must speedily asse
himself, else he would be thwarted CO.
stantly by every jack-in-ofhce who h
sprung into existence beneath this mushroo
monarchy.
The Due de Tangier, sir"
was 1t upon your recommendation tn
Admiral Pompier was removed from the G
fee to which / appointed him?"
Eyes, 1t was. Let me add, sir, that 20
words"
Are generally obeyed. Monsieur lie d.
give you the alternative of sitting doN
with a closed mouth or being dismiss
from your post"
The due sat down.
Vansittart continued: Lest there be a
doubt concerning my attitude, ! now I
you plainly that in the present despera
state of France there must be one col
mander-in in chief. II / am TO I'LL that II
portant place, l will listen TO your couns
but my orders cannot be questioned. ]
subordination here means dismissal, In t
- AAAa, .AVa 0aRnaa mr. az