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

l W0l1 pAdAboO anu Cu01E V0Tuur0 anu
luxuriance still surround the massive
structure Yet deep among the
tender roots of the vines are the
destroyers ever at works the little
foxes, that, greater than all other
enemies, threaten the permanence of
our gardens. "Take ye the foxes,
the little foxes, that spoil our vines /;
for our vines have tender grapes. :"
1.-THE MAN OF THE WOKLD -NAPOL-
EON BONAPARTE"
Situated in the Mediterranean Sea,
directly west of Italy and standing
within reach of all the countries of
southwestern Europe, there is a small
but much contended for territory, the
Island of Corsica. Peopled original
ly by races of Celtic lineage, it has
been so often war-swept that its native
race has almost entirely disappeared.
This island has always been looked
upon as a prey to nearly all the
|
of area. It's most important city,
Ajaccio, is situated in the western
part. In this little city amid the
terrors of mighty struggle for in
dependence, young lawyer and his
wife lived in terror of the impending
doom.
On August 10th 1869, a son was
born to this pair, son whose whole
life was affected by these warlike in
fuences even unto his very last NJ
thought was ever entertained by those
who knew him, that this boy sullen,
detected and understood would one
day become Emperor of France,
Master of Europe and the mightiest of
Generals. From earliest childhood he
displayed passionate and ambitious
nature along the lines of military
science. Educational facilities we're
not given to any considerable degree
in Corsica. He was sent for his meager
education to a military school at
Brienne in France. There he lived
among his fellows as one among them
but not of them. His proud undsunt-
ed spirit would not tolerate the
thought of Corsica rebuked, and this
was the delight of his French school
mates. He made rapid progress in
science and in history; few years
later entered and completed his course
at the military academy at Paris.
After leaving school while yet
youth he sought employment in the
French army where he received rapid
promotion. The condition of France
was the worst in the history of the
nations. The Revolution was Great
ing many horrible disasters. An
angry mob in Paris was advancing
upon the Tueleries. A young man
escortlng small band of soldiers
threw his fore 90 trained men against
the gang of rioters. This little force
waged the battle fiercely and holly first
in one section and then in another.
Night closed about the city,e the
multitude was subdued. Peace reign
ed and the victory was his. Thus
begins the history of Napoleon
Bonaparte, soldier, statesman, author
and administrator, the hero of the
French, the man of the world
Barras, ths commander OF the
army, discouraged at the condition Of
affairs resigned his post and Napoleon
was made his successor, taking i'm
mediate command. France was not
only at war with herself but with
Austria and Italy as we'll. With all
possible haste the army was re-
organized and Napoleon embarked
upon his first campaign, in Italy, de-
rstined to be the most fruitful IN
history. Every town, city and strong
hold fell before this organized army
without formidable show of resist
ance. The army once poorly clad,
disconnected and disheartened was
raised to spirit of conquest, glory,
and obedience to the little general.
Throughout the whole campaign he
was tireless in his work. He labored
from early morn until far into the
night. Then hastily catching few
hours of sleep he was ready for
another days work. Every battle he
fought in his mind before he fought
in the field. He always knew what
to do next. The whole expedition
was we'll planned and we'll executed
affair, and for the manipulation of an
army in difficult places Napoleon
proved he had no equal. Nothing
INSTRUCTED his path. No undertaking
was too great. Nothing was too
hazardous for this man and as long as
history survives his march across the
Alps will be considered the master
piece of military adventure France