The National tribune., 1898-09-22

honor on the soil of his couptrv Never
did his genius shine forth with greater
spiendor than in the almost superhuman
eKertions he put forth in this his last
great struggle for his empire. No danger
could daunt him, no reyerses si,bd,1e him
no toll exhaust him, and no difficulties
shake his iron will. In the dead of Winter.
struggling with new and ,intried troops
ne ioucbt an army outnumbering his own
two to one, beat them back al every point
and sent disnay into the hearts of the
allied sovereigns as they again saw the
shadow of his mighty spirit over their
thrones
He was everywhere cheering and steady
ing his men, and on one occasion worked
a cannon himself as he did when a youth
ia the artillery, and though the balls
whistled around him till the soldiers be-
sought him TO retire, he exclaimed,
Courage the bullet that is to kill me is
not yet cast"
At length the whole allied army was
forced TO retreat, and offered peace if he
would consent to have his empire dis
membcred, and France restored TO its
limits before the revolution This he in
-GIgnantly refused; preferrinc rather TO
bury himself amid the ruins Of his empire
But with comparatively a handful of
raw recruits what could he do AGAINST the
world in arms His rapid victories began
to grow less decisive the glory with which
ne had anew covered the army waked
dun, and ms star that had once more
biazed forth IN its ancient splendor in the
heavens was seen sinking to the horizon.
The allies entered the Capital, and
Napoleon was compelled 10 abdirate. On
the DAY after the signature Of the treaty
by which he was Invested of power and
sent an exile from the country he had
saved, deserted by all his soldiers his
Marshals, his army even bv his wife and
family. he said TO CaulincOurt at night
at pr fraFsor i
ton IS taken, we must end / feel il %
AT midnight the fallen Emperor WAS in
conyulSions: ne had swallowed noison
As hls faithful Caulincourt came in he
opened hiss eyes and said "Cauiincourt |
ara about to die. ] recommend 10 you my
wife and son. Defend my memory. /
could no longer endure life. The deSertion
OF my Old companions in arms had broken
my heart" Violent vomiting. however
gave him relief and his life was saved.
His farewell To his faithful Old Guard
before he departed from FontainbIeau for
Elba, was noble and touching He pass
ed INTO their midst as he had been wont
10 do when he pitched his tent for the
night az their protecting squares. and ad-
dressed them IN words of great tenderness
"For 20 years, said he Il have ever found
you in the path OF honor and of glory,
Adieu, my children; | would | were able
10 press you all to my heart, but / will at
least press your eagle"
With oyerpowerine emotion he clasped
the General in his arms. and kissed The
eagle. Again bidding his old companions
adIeu, he drew away, while cries and sobs
OF sorrow burst from those brave hearts
that had turned for him the tide of So
many battles. They besought the privi-
lege OF following him in his fallen fortunes
but were refused their prayer
But Elba could not long hold that dar-
ing, restless spirit. The next year he
again unrolled his standard in the CAPITAL
OF France, and the army opened its arms
to receive him. After an exhibition OF his
wonted energy and geniGs during the
hundred days preparation, he at length
staked all on the field OF Waterloo There
the star OF his destiny again rose over the
horizon and struggled with its ancient
strength 10 mount the heavens of fame
The battie-cloud rolled over it, and when
1T again was swept away that star had
gone down, sunk in blood and carnage, to
rise no more forever.
Volumes have been written on this
campaign and the battle, but every inn
partial mind must come TO the same con-
clusion. that Napoleon's plans never