New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-08-01
STATUES WHICH HAVE MET DISFAVOR AND PUNISHMENT

self most kind and generous in his treatment of
the old Highlanders family. What has become
of these efigies OF the late Queens gillie? The
silver statuette and those Of bronze have I'M
doubtedy found their way into the melting pot
But what has become of those which were of
marble?
Napoleon III occupied the throne of France
for eighteen years. Before his reign had been
brought to a close many hundreds of lifesize
statues. some OF them equestrian, as well as
thousands of busts. had been produced. All the
big cities had their marble effigy of the En-
peror and every prefecture and ous-prefecture
his bust Copies OF the latter likewise figured
IN the Offices OF all the principal officials of the
government administration, in the chambers Of
every fudge and magistrate, of each provincial
treasurer and inspector Of internal revenue. of
town and village mayors and in the official
quarters OF French ambassadors. ministers and
consular agents abroad What has become or
all these statues and busts? To-day pub
lie effigy of Napoleon III remains in existence
In France The only one that 1 know OF l.
that at Milan which recently erected b.
that city in order 20 commemorate the part
which he PLAYED IN restoring 20 tAe Lombards
their liberty and in bringing about their eman-
cipation from Austrian rule. Indeed. IL was the
crushing defeat Of the Austrians by the French
army under Napoleon III at the battle of Sol
ferino that rendered necessary the peace Of
ViIlafranca, by the terms of which Austria sur
rendered all her provinces in Northern Italy to
Napoleon who turned them over 10 Victor En-
manuel TO be Incorporated in his Kingdom OF
United Italy. Milan. therefore enjoys the dis
tinction of having the only public statue OF
Napoleon III in existence, and although France
owes TO him eighteen years q Unparalleled pros
perity, and OF national prestige so great that In
. 4 he
gravity Of the world, no record in bronze or IN
marble remains Of his personality.
Adolphe Theirs, the first President Of the pres
emf and Third French Republic. was an extremely
vain little man, and as soon as he was elected
10 the office OF chief magistrate proceeded TO
food the country with his busts with when
he insisted every government ofhce shouid Do
provided He undoubtedly expected TO remain
at the head of affairs In France for the rest OF
his DAYS but his tenure of power was relatively
brief and he was succeeded by Marsha4 Mac
Mahon who had to be represented IN UNIFORM
When. however. he in turn was followed Al ING
Elysse by President Grevy, the government. IN
hueuoed perhaps by the thrift for which its new
executive was so celebrated. decided 10 turn the
thousands Of busts of Adolphe Theirs to ac-
count and 10 graft the head Of Grevy on to the
shoulders OF Theirs. In fact, statue grating
developed from an art into industry. To-day
every one OF the busts OF the President OF the
Republic that adorns the official residence or the
provincial governors, OF their deputy projects
the various government and post offices through
out the land and the council chamber OF the
municipality Of every city, town and village Is
so constructed that the head is removable. The
homely features OF President Fallieres now look
down from shoulders that were originally con-
strticted TO do service for Adolphe Theirs and
Ju;e. rsrevy And when Armand Fallieres in
turn reaches the end of his turn his neck will
be twisted his head will be unserewed and dat
OF his successor will take it's place.