The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1898-11-24
THE WOMAN'S CLUB.
MISS {. A. GILL GIVES A VERY
INTERESTING TALK.
WARS DISCUSSED
The Three Successive French Invasions
of Italy Discussed From a Historical
Standpoint in Very Inter
esting Manner.

short business session the essayist OF
the day, Miss E. A. Gill, was intro
duced. Miss Gill treated the ladies to
very pleasing talk on "The Italian
Wars" The invasion of Italy by the
French, begun by Charles VIII, con.
tinued by Louis XII, and ended by
Francis l, may be considered the open
ing event of modern history.
In 1892 Charles VIII came ofage and
assumed the royal power which his
sister, Anne of Beaujeu, had been hold
ing. This eventful year marked the
beginning of decline of Italian power in
religion, commerce and politics.
The marriage of Charles VIII to
Anne of Brittany added the last feudal
state to the crown, and France, united
at home was ready for foreign con-
quests. Charles the VIII finally re-
solved to assert the claim of his house
to the kingdom of Naples.
The internal condition of Italy made
everything favorable for the project at
this time. The army was made ready
to depart, but as some one tritely said,
there were great many soldiers, but
little obedience"
All the cities opened their gates and
Charles entered Naples amid the ac-
clamations of the populace. This great
success turned the head of the king,
land though we have but brief accounts
of his actions, it is certain he left be-
hind him legacy of undying hatred.
Meanwhile a league was formed by
Milan, Venice, the pope, Macmillan
of Germany and Ferdinand OF Spain to
expel the invader. Charles reiterated
hastily and secured his escape into
France by the victory of Fornova.
Louis XII, inheriting the ambition of
his cousin and the claim to Milan,
led the second expedition. Milan fell
into his hands. An agreement had
been made between Louis XII and
Ferdinand to divide Naples, but they
soon quarreled and the French army
was beaten back by the Spanish infan-
try.
Louis next joined the League of Cam
brai against Venice, but Pope julius
suddenly turned the scale by forming
the Holy League, which drove the
French from Italy.
Louis once more allied with Venice,
made another attempt but was frus-
trated by the League of Malines.
Henry VIII at this time invaded France
and won the famous Battle of Spurs.
Louis beaten on all sides, willingly
made peace.
Francis I, quick and powerful,
devotee to art and literature, but sell
fish and lover of the splendor of
royalty sent his troops over the Alps.
The first great victory was the battle
of MarignanO. The Swiss were defeat
ed after a conflict which lasted two
days Milan fell without a blow. The
Swiss made the treaty of Perpetual
Peace with France, which lasted as
long as the French monarchy. Francis
eager to renew his glOries led an army
against Pavia, but was defeated and
taken prisoner to Madrid. After
captivity of two years he was released,
making various promises, which he
speedily broke as soon as he was re
leased. He left two sons as hostages,
the elder died very soon, but the
younger remained in Spain and seemed
to absorb many of the most disagree
able Spanish characteristics
Charles Y, joined by Constable
Bourbon led an army to Rome to despOil
the Pope's dominion. Bourbon was
killed before he entered the city, but
for nine months his soldiers sacked the
town and Rome suffered as she never
| had from the Goth or Vandal. Rome
has been called widow from that time
as she has never regained her former
glories.
The treaty of Crespy ended all these
wars, and the close Of the scenes finds
France in nearly the same condition as
atsthe beginning, though having suffer
ed somewhat from the connection with
the Italians. During this time the
brightest paragraph in this dark chap
ter of history was the gathering of
scholars from everywhere to the imme-
date vicinity of the first printing press
and the impetus which this gave to
Iearning in all countries.
At the conclusion of the talk it was
given out that the next meeting would
not be held for three weeks.
After the regular program the ladies
informally discussed current topics
over their tea cups.