Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-02-17
NanoIeon,s PersonaI Manner.

NdHOlCOn6 TCToOUdl
One hundred years ago Napoleon was
the most noted man before the public for
George Washington died at the close of
the eighteenth century.
Although Bonaparte was considered an
enemy by the citizens of Prussia, Aus
! tria, Russia and other countries which
were overrun by the Corsican general
commanding the soldiers of France. new
ertheless his brilliant success as an adj
ministrator Of mighty people, made him
an object Of lively interest 10 all aspiring
and ambitious men everywhere. But lit
tie while before he entered on his comet
like orbit, he was an unknown subaltern
and a friendless sort Of collegian, with
neither money nor family influence to
bring him into notice. yet he blszed a
path across the continent of Europe which
has no parallel in ancient or modern his
tory, Jena, Auerstadt. Marengo and Aus
terlitz followed in rapid succession and
the PROSTATE monarchy of the Hohen-
zOllerns bit the dust in defeat and dis
aster. The dread of Napoleon spread like
fire I'm dry grass and there seemed to be
no limit TO his military sagacity. and no
power strong enough to resist him in his
military prowess.
II will always be a question why Ma
poleon lost his hold on success; and per-
haps II is only woman's reason. but
think Il was because he lacked in great
III 0NeAA11NNo "a a 6NhNANAAoA IA
private life.
His putting away of Josephine and re-
marriage with the royal house of Aus
tria is not forgotten of course in this es-
innate. Perhaps neither OF his wives
were altogether Noteworthy. IL history
has been faithfully rendered. but the lack
Of real gentility In. the French emperor
was not the fault OF either Of the women
that he married.
This was his own weak place: here he
was lacking. In the height of his fame
and victory he was a coarse mar in
his thoughts-rude in his conduct. over
bearing 10 his opponents I'm defeat and
cruel TO those like the Due d'Enghien.
who served him well.
In going through Poland he encountered
distinguished landowner. a member Of
royal house in that country, a large
manufacturer and proprietor Of immense
works How many hands do you work?''
was the first query. No answer was given
Immediately and he thus persisted. You
own factories do you not?" When some
member OF his stan whispered to him con-
corning the name and character of the
gentleman thus addressed. then the en-
peror shrugged his shoulders and turned
away with no apology, but said TO his IN
foru1ant, "Oh. that is Just as we'll"
He was not considerable, which is one
OF the never falling marks OF gentleman
In uniform as wen as In plain clothes.
in public or private life.
He once attended a reception where Pol
ish ladies were met together. Stepping up
10 one OF them without an introduction he
inquired: How many children have your"
None, sir" was the polite reply.
What! then you must be divorced?"
was the next words OF the conqueror.
I've never been married at ALL" said
the noble woman. who was thus morti-
fed and Inundated by a rude boor wear
fre rfaFu 90
Ger. Did he apologize? Not he
You had better not De long in choos-
ing" said he as he turned away on his
heel and left the company.
He was an evident sufferer from what
We in this country call the big head"
His singular elevation found him unpre-
pared for the position on such lines as
are mentioned.
The conquered people who obeyed his
edicts and suffered from his tyrannies
dared not rebuke him, and he went to
Waterloo and St. Helena without under
standing his lack Of an essential Of great
ness.
1.-THE bravest are the tenderest,
The loving are the daring"
When Madame De Stael asked who he
considered the greatest woman in France
the same boor spirit in him replied:
''She that has most children"
NapOleOn's bad lack set in when he os-
tracised Josephine from his dwelling
place and outraged decent public opinion
by the excuse he gave for the act.
He fell through an over-plus of self-con-
ceit. because some OF the best informed
writer's of the time speak freely of the
lack OF proper discipline in the French
| army. especially in the Russian campaign.
An illustrious warrior may be world-re-
nowned. but he must be sound in the es-
sentials Of uprightness before he may
be called a great man, in other words.
must be a gentleman.
Horatio Nelson. was a great sea-captain,
but the most enthusiastic admirers of the
naval officer must always regret his mis-
cradle ENHANCEMENT with an unworthy
wife. although she figured in the upper
| ten circles Of English society at that pc
Rod OF his life.
The ten commandments are the world
wide code Of honor. They will bear the
| test OF time and pass unscatched through
/ both victory and defeat as the best rule
OF action. Napoleon was defective in the
manners OF a real gentleman. He he'd
within himself Tie errors that presaged
Il