New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-23
THEIRS AND THE DUAL LEAGUE.

Nile nosnc. the sister-in-law Of Theirs, has
contributed at least one invaluable 'foOtnote 10
history" in her published memoirs Of her great
relative. Indeed, we might say she has given
two: for there are few pictures in history more
impressive or more significant and Illuminating
than that Of Theirs at the Elysee sleeping IN
his chair the sleep Of utter exhaustion OF mind
and body-f0r years he worked from IN the
morning until 10 at night-while before him
stood patiently and almost reverently. am
bassad0-s and Cabinet ministers waiting 70
consult him upon the gravest affairs OF state,
but unwilling TO disturb for even moment the
hard earned rest OF the savior OF France; until
AT last De opened bis eyes and offered profuse
apologies for ia wing let the necessities Of nature
get the better OF his manners! Yet there were
some who called that little giant ''petulant",
What we have most IN mind. however, IS Mile.
Dosne's account Of Thiers's forlorn hope ex-
petition 10 Russia 10 seek the Intervention OF
the Gar. Gortschakof was sceptlcal This
81 republic OF yours-can We regard II serl-
"ously? VIII Il last longT' The questions were
natural enough then; though they seem strange
to-day, q third OF century later. We can
imagine the air with which Theirs assured the
Chancellor Of the republics perpeulty; as one
might say. What do you fear? You carry
Cesar" But then. GortschakoG stuck at IN
tcrventi0n. It could not be, for It would mean
war. Then Theirs rose 10 the height OF bis
great argument and demanded. why not even
''war? Let us make an offensive and defensive
alliance Of Russia and France against these
'Prussians," Never was proposal more splen-
dldly aujaci0us, seeing that France at that
moment lay PROSTATE and helpless with the
German heel upon her throat GortschakoG
was staggered for n moment But he could not
outright refuse the daring offer. lie temporlzed.
Some day, perhaps Il might be; but not Just
then. Theirs was not, however. 10 be put or
by a mere chancellor lie was France, as
Alexander II was Russia and be would see the
Gar himself, as his peer. He did so, and re-
newed bis proposal OF a Franco Russian all
ance, with an impetuoUs and persuasive zeal
that melted the cold antagonism OF the Gar
and moved him 10 declare that he wished Il
were possible. and that If It were possible he
would grant 10. Nor was that all Theirs spoke
in The same strain 10 the Czarovitch, the future
Alexander H. and so moveJ llIn as 10 win
from him the declaration that If he were in his
fathers place he would not hesitate 10 intervene
against the Prusslaus.
In the end Theirs had 10 20 back unsatisfed
10 resume his stupendous task Of saving France
single handed. But there is reason 10 believe
that in bis seemingly vain interviews with the
two Alexanders he planted the seed which
long after he and the Gar OF that date were
gathered 20 their fathers, ripeued into the
Franco Russian alliance that has now for years
so profoundly Influenced the progress Of its
members, and also, perhaps. the destlnies of all
Europe. Many have long held Theirs the great
est figure in French history since Bonaparte,
and they have not been without reason. Many.
too. viii see in that seemingly frultless Russian
orrand Of his by no means the least heroic OF
his services 10 the French Republic. OF which
he was above all other men the founder and
the savior.