Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1899-12-27

.i'f WILL you rLEAs1 HRNovRr'
sarmarks Of one, but II is thsrs are
plenty of other well authenticated in.
stances which show that civilization,
while not destroying the martial qualities
Of armies, develops the spirit Of true
heroism.
The events which brought about the
Peninnular war did not seem favorable
for displays of courtesy on either side.
Napoleon. In 1907. taking advantage of
the imbecility Of the government of Spain
and Portugal. took possession of those
countries and. by military exactions and
overbenring conduct, drove the two na-
tons into insurrection and to apply to
England for assistance.
At the battle OF Tal9vern the French
had been repnlsed In their first attack.
Some contend TINT this was owing to the
heat. which at midday was 40 great that
In portion OF the battlefield both parties
rclinlulshed fighting and repaired to
stream ciosu by. where they sat chatting
nmicnbly together for nn hour or more,
I'LL summoned by the officers.
They then badc cnch other goodby. took
up their positions rnd Immediately re-
newed tho battle with great vigor.
In this engagement the English won n
fruitless victory. the French being 80
strongly Reinforced In the moment of de-
feat that the English were forced TO re-
treat, having their wounded behind.
Nothing could have been better for
these poor fellows. for the French Mar
shiu Mortier Immediately organized II
good hospital for them. which tho Brit
lsh, owing to their defective transport
had been unable to provide, His own
wounded were told that honor aud hu.
maniiy demanded that the foe should re-
ceive the best attention. which being ac-
ceded to n party Of French officers wait
cd ON the principal inhabitants aud asked
for the loan OF bedding for the English
wounded. The Portuguese thought their
visitors mnd, hut assentcl.
Nelson's hatred of the French was so
Intense that some biographcrs declare
that toward the close OF his life II be-
came n perfect craze and that his sailors
were affected to the same degree.
No such hostility seems to have been
entertained By the armies OF the two ma
tions. Unnecessary harassing warfare
between the ontpOsts was invariably
avoided, Sometimes, In changes OF posi-
tlon. one party would have TO retire N
little. This would be frequently settled
by q polite note. or, IL the movement was
the officer In command OF the outpost mp
penled 10 thought the demand reason
nble one, he would politely raise his cap
and give way.
Thus. after the battle OF Busaco, Il
French outpost remained In village
nearer 10 the British lines than was justi-
fable In our relative positions. Instead
of attacking these outposts General
Crawford sent one OF his aids.de-cnmp,
politely requesting them TO remove to a
greater distance. The French officer de-
Shared that retreat was impossible. MS he
had been placed In that position by his
superior oil Ger.
"But supposing we use forceT' said
.he Englshman. smiling.
"Ab. in that case we will do as you
WISH"
Geparal Crawford thereupon ordered
put a field pk,cc. firing n couple OF rounds
at nothing In particular. and the honor OF
the Frcnchnan being thus satisfied he
made u low bow, which the English Off
GERS returned, and withdrew his men,
The British OF course could have ami
hilnted the outpost but they had in Gen.
rraI Crawford warrior as chivalrous MS
be was brave.
In the retreat to Corina the British
ravalry halted one evening at Beneventc
and took measures for destroying the
bridge. During the night the French pa
trolls came several times on their end OF
the bridge to ascertain whether the enemy
still held on, but on being challenged by
the sentinels retired. One bold dragon
advanced so much farther than the rest
that he aroused the indignation of an
irish sentry.
"Look at that fellow, your honor" he
rried to his officer, who happened to come
along. Shall ! shoot him for his impu-
denceT
"By no means" was the reply.
He then advanced to the dragon. bow