Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1909-03-17


fallen. Hasty was his return to
France and here by almost super
natural powers he quelled its existing
disturbances. Then with the people
drawn to his side he had himself pro-
claimed First Consul. Then fol-
lowed years in which France enjoyed
a prosperity as she had never known
before. Affairs, social political and
economical rose beyond precedent in
history, the people had gained con
fdence in the French government.
Not all was peace however. Napoleon
old opponent, Austria, was still lurk-
ing for chance to overthrow this
ambitious ruler. Bonapart, determin-
ed to humble Austria and his famous
victory over the Austrians at Marengo
quieted matters for a time Ali
Europe was completely shared by this
wonderful man. not only soldier but
one who manipulated the reins of
government as master guides as
ne wills, fiery charger. The result
was that in 1904 he crowned himself,
Emperor of France. All Europe
bowed to his will, he. the hero of
Europel Peace was again dethroned
In 1912 when England, Austria and
Russia joined forces to overwheIm
France.
The Emperor, Napoleon, gathered
together an amy of 155, 900 men and
centered his attack upon Russia. He,
accordingly advanced upon Moscow.
Along the lines of march he was sue
cessful in his battles conquering Poles
and, Russians at nearly every point.
Moscow was reached in the dead of
wiEterl His success was but short
lived. He found Moscow in flames
and in ruin. Defeat such as he had
never known, stared him in the face.
He found himself at war with the
elements. The supplies for his vast
army were exhausted. One resource
was left and that to return to France.
Then followed the most terrible
march in history, march which he
manipulated with wonderful skill and
dexterity. He was oppressed on
every side by the enemy. Cold,
famine and fever added their attack
and claimed the greater part of his
once proud and ambitious army. Cut
Of the los, 900 who crossed the Rhine
25. 600 returned to France. Napoleon
with heart and soul upor the under
taking, cheered on the strong among
his followers, who responded nobly.
Their general held within himself the
magic of personal attraction. He
gained their hearts by his care for
their welfare. He steeled their nerve
by the stirring promise of his pro-
CARNATIONS. France was reached and
then followed the decisive battles of
Dresden and of Leipsic with their
defeats. His power and influence
vanished, he was forced to abdicate to
the island Of Elba. Meanwhile
France was again the center of dis
tress. A monarchy had been created
and Bourbon placed upon the throne.
After nearly years absence
Napoleon returned to France. While
he was away his value had been re-
cognized. He was greeted by every
city, town and hamlet while soldiers
responded from every quarter. An
army was quickly assembled to fight
the last time for their Emperor. the
fateful battle of the keystone Of the
bridge of Napoleon g defeat, the battle
of Waterloo. the greatest battle in
English history. This disastrous de-
feat was not due to his liabilities as
commander he was as great as ever,
but to misconception of orders and
the horrible condition of his army.
There upon the plains Of Waterloo,
the fierce battle ragged the whole day,
with all the fury fiery general at
bay and gunpowder can produce.
Had not Wellington been reinforced
by Blucher's Prussian troops Waterloo
might have been Napoleon g triumph.
Here ended In defeat and seeming dis
grace the greatest of all military
careers and an ungrateful nation al
lowed their hero and benefactor to be
shared by deceitful Englishmen and
taken for exile and death to the
desoIate island of st. Helena. Upon
this isolated spot of earth, the great
man spent his remaining days. DAYS
of sorrow, days of suffering the
anguish of defeat, days of contempIa
tion of final reorganization. Truly
man without a country. On the
night of May 4th, 1921, fierce storm
ragged over st. Helena and amidst the
savage outbursts of nature, the soul OF
the Emperor took its fight, to its
God. Few great men have appeared