The daily morning journal and courier., 1907-08-24
DERNHARDT A WAR NURSE
WAS IN SIEGE OF PARIS
Actress Own Account of the Terrible Times of the
 German War.

We dosnot think of the great actress as a minlstrant to wounded and dying men, but she describes in Appleton's Magazine for September her experi- ences in the siege of Paris as follows;
 Evil days had come upon us! Paris began to get feverish and excited. The streets were black with groups of peo- pie, discussing and gesticulating. And all this noise was only the echo of far distant groups, gathered together in German streets. These other groups were yelling, gestioulating, and discuss, ing, but they knew, while we did not know.
 On the 18th of July, 1870, war was declared and Paris became the theater of the most touching and burlesque scenes. Young men, gone wild, were yelling the "Marseillaise" and rushing along the streets in close file shouting over and over again, ITO Berlin!"
 My heart used to beat wildly, for I, too, thought that they were going to Berlin I understood the fury they felt, for these people had provoked us with out plausible reasons, but at the same time it seemed to me that they were getting ready for this great occasion without sufficient respect and dignity. My own impotence made me feel re- bellious, and when I saw all the moth CTS, with pale faces and eyes swollen with crying, holding their boys in their arms and kissing them in despair, the most frightful anguish seemed to choke me. I cried, to, almost unceaslngly, and I was wearing myself away with anxiety, but I did not forcsee the hor- rible catastrophe that was to take place.
 The war news led us to hope for vic- tory. There was great joy and a certain emotion felt by everyone on hearing that the young Prince Imperial had re- ceived his baptism of fire at saar- bruck.
 Life seemed to me beautiful again, for I had great confidence in tbe issue of the war. I pitied the Germans for having embarked on such an adven- ture. But, alas! the glorious progress which my brain had been so active In imagining was cut short by the atro- cious news from Ste. Privat. After Ste Privat came Gravelotte, where 36,0oO men, French and German, o,,4 A {,, fnrrv came the sublime but powerless efforts Of MacMahan, who was repulsed as far as Sedan and finally sedanl Se- danl An! the horrible awakening! A hundred thousand Frenchmen had to capitulate and the Emperor of France had to hand his sword over to the King of Prussia!
 An! that cry of grief, that cry of rage uttered by the whole nationl It can never be forgotten!
 l We then arranged for the departure of the whole family, with the excep- tion of myself, as I wanted to stay in Paris during the siege. My mother. my litle boy and his nurse, my sisters, my Aunt Annette, who kept house for me and my mothers maid were all ready to start a few days later It was the first time had been separated from the Title child who was dearer to me than the whole world
 The idea never for an instant oc. cured to me that I might have gone away with him. thought that I might 1 be of some use in Paris It seemed tC me that everyone who was well ought to stay in Paris. For some days I wa. perfectly dazed, missing the usual life around me, and missing the affection of those I loved. The defense, however was being organized and decided tC use my strength and intelligence 1T tending the wounded.
 The question was where could WI install a hospital? The Odeon Theater had closed its doors, but I moved heav en and earth to get permission to or ganize military hospital there, and thanks to Emile de Girardin and Du quesnal, my wish was granted. I wen to the War Office and my offers were accepted.
 organized my hospital with a yer, Ismall staff. My cook was installed il the public foyer. l had bought her al immense cooking range so that shJ could make soups and herb tea for if ty men. Her husband was chief at tendant I had given him two assist ants, and Mime. Guerard, Mime. Lamb quin, and I were the nurses. Two o us sat up at night, so that we eacl went to bed every third night. I pre- ferred this to taking on some womal whom I did not know Mme. Lambquil
 belonged to the Odeon, where she use to take the part of the duennas. NJ, various friends who were on service a the Notifications came to me in thel free time to do my seoretarial work.
 had to keep book, which was show every day to 8 sergeant who cam from the Yal-de-Grace military hospi tai, giving all details as to how man, men came into our hospital how man, died, and how many recovered an left. Paris was in a state of seige, an
 no one could go far outside the wall! and no news from outside could be re ceived. Baron Larrey came now an
 then to see me. and had, as head sur