The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-11-28
CARICATURES OF
GREAT NAPOLEON

In modern history there Is no figure
that so dominates the stage of the
world as that OF the great Napoleon.
There hardly is any one whose life Is
more eagerly read and studied, and
though II is now more than a hundred
years since he strobe across the face
-or had better say across the map
Of Europe, Biographies, character
sketches. and memoirs of that remark
able man continue to make their appear
ance. And he was more extensively carl
catured than any man who ever lived.
Before me is Mr.. Broadley's latest
work. reproducing more than 200 of such
caricatures. and they give an excellent
insight into the opinion held by Napo-
Icons contemporaries OF the petit
caporal." II seems that the French En-
peror was more extensively caricatured
by English artists than by those Of other
nationalties. Probably this was due 10
the fact that it was not so easy for him
10 lay hands on them.
The leading British caricaturists Of Ma
poleon We're those giants Of the pencil,
Cruikshank, Rowlandson, and Gillray In
fact IL was the father of Cruikshank
who drew the first caricature of Ma
poleon ever published in London The Oc-
casion for Il was the conquest Of Italy,
II was vulgar and Objectionable In some
respects. but truthfully the artist hits
of Napoleon as an upstart which no
doubt was the general opinion Of ''Boney''
IN the early days OF his career
The caricature shows the young gen
eral sitting on a throne in tattered
breeches, booted and spurred. and wear
ing a gigantic cooked bat. Rudely he
kicks away the tiara Of the PROSTATE
Pope. who kneels before him holding
out The keys OF 81. Peter. Napoleon Is
represented as saying: II say, remember
TO take off your hat when talking TO a
sem'man"
In these days. when the question OF a
possible invasion Of England by Ger
many is being discussed continually. II
is interesting TO note that the theme OF
a large number OF the British carica-
lures was Napoleon's threat 10 invade the
island. However. upon going over these
pictures one is struck with the fact that,
while the fear OF such an invasion was
very real, everybody seems 70 have been
ready 10 meet the emergency bravely.
Take. for example, the caricature, THE
Oak and the Mushroom" by David Rob
erts. Napoleon g shown as a giant
mushroom. glazing menacingly al a typi-
cal British sailor. The latter has his left
hand around the trunk Of an oak tree
and stout cudgel in his right hand. and
is exclaiming; You may look as cross
as you please. Afr. Mushroom, but here
stands the British oak. and by St George
and the Dragon. not leaf OF IL shall fall
to the ground"
Turning 10 the csricatures OF Napoleon
by foreign artists, one is compelled 10
award the prize to the French them
selves. The Germans. on the other hand,
are bitter. terribly bitter. and the reason
is not far to seek. considering the cruel
and brutal manner in which Napoleon
laid waste their territories.
The National Eisteddfod OF Wales, eele-
brated every autumn. Is one Of the most
picturesque festivals remaining in this
commercial age. Last year when the
Gorsedd. or meeting 10 proclaim the
bards. was held IN Kensington Gardens
In the early morning. no one looked bet
ter than Lady st. Davids in her silken
robes OF emerald green. and still more
graceful than the Countess Maitland.
whose grace and charm one longs 10 see
added TO the Grecian folds or an ovate's
robe.
This year the Countess Dundonald and |
Mrs. Barnato. who have taken such an
active part in the preparations for the |
Eisteddfod, especially of the arts and |
crafts section, were initiated as ovates.
A word IN the Gorsedd itself: On the /
Logan stone the Arch Druid Dyfed was |
attended by all OF his bards. some IND
white robes and others in blue. while the !
ovates wore green. The twelve chief /
bards stood by their sacred unhewn |
stones. Ancient prayers were recited- |
The huge Brytonic sword was drawn and
sheeted three times with the question by
the archdruid: a oes Heddwch?" 70 which |
all present responded by a shout OF
"Heddwch" (peace).
In Wales the Eisteddfod naturally IS
more enthusiastically Welsh than when |
ii is held in London. The choirs and in /
strumental music are listened 10 with |
breathless attention, while again and /
again one hears ''da dawn very good, /
or sometimes no good" as the case may
be, while for the time being all is for
gotten but the music.
The eliminating interest OF the Eistedd- |
fod is eentered in the chairlng of the
bard-the award for the greatest ALTER 1
alive poem Of the year. The adtudi 1
Gators read their decision, criticIsing the /
different poems sent IN, and announcing 1
az the close the mons de plume OF the
successful competitor.
The whole company Is galvanized with /
intense excitement. The winning author !
stands and two bards are sent 10 conduct
him amid strains Of music to his chair of |
honor in the bardic circle.
A friend in the diplomatic service who
was at Lisbon during the revolution gave
ma some interesting intimate details
about the interior of the royal palace as
he found 1t Immediately after the flight
of the young monarch. He had free ac-
cess TO the bedroom OF Manuel. on condi-
ton that he touched nothing
The first thing that struck him upon
entering the room was the Jewel of the
Order Of the Garter. the most beautiful
and highly priced decoration in England.
which was lying half out of the drawer,
as II the King had thought OF taking Il.
but had changed his mind The next
most conspicuous objects were two large.
signed photographs Of the pretty Princess
Patricia OF Connaught. IN gold frames.
They were the only photographs in the
simple little room. excepting the portrait
of Queen Amelie, the Kings mother.
This discovery renews the oft-repeated
and oft-denied story OF an attachment
between the King and the British
princess, but those who ought to know
say the fact Is that, although Princess
Pat liked the boy King in a chummy
way. she put down her foot resolutely
when it came to matrimonial proposals.
Those who have been 10 Wood Norton
describe the exiled young King as being