New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-02-11
PARIS IN. THE SIXTIES
Bohemian "reminiscences of M.
Emile Bergerat.
Paris, February 3.

M. Emile Bergerat, journalist, dra-
matte critic, brilliant talker and son-in-
law Of Theophile Gautier, has published
the first volume OF his memoirs, which
is brought out this week by Fasquelle,
under the title Souvenirs dun Enfant
de Paris: les Annees de Boheme." In
the twilight of his career the compla-
cent philosopher of the boulevards mas
begun TO rake together the autumnal
leaves of his experience, and they make
crisp and amusing reading. The souvenirs
begin with the spring Of 1864, when Nj.
Bergerat was a student at the Lycee
Charlemagne, and bring us down to May
1872. when he married Mile. Estelle
Gautier. youngest daughter Of the au-
thor of "Emaux ct Canoes" and sister
OF Mile. Judith Gautier, who became the
wife Of the late Catulle Mendes.
Brought up in close intimacy with
Victor Hugo, NJ. Bergerat devotes the
first chapter Of his book to the poet, who
is described, not as the solemn, grandilo-
ouent, egotistical, cathedral-like old
man, but as a frolicsome, humorous
comrade, delighting in the society or
children. Victor Hugo always had an
aversion for Emile lola. Learning one
day that young Zola had written lit
erary criticism ridculing "Ernani' ana
the romantic school, the author OF Les
Chatiments' sent for Zola's books,
Ia 1H.f
Nine. Drouet. What do you think OF
.I,Assommoir' ." oh" was the reply,
mot bad. not at all bad for an Italian
even making due allowance for the
clumsy translation, which is unfair, and
renders the young mans style heaVy
and wearisome." During the whole even
ing Victor Hugo persisted In aifectlhs
IN believe that lola was an .ltaliah
writer "betrayed" by Swiss trans
lator.
In 1857 N. Bergerat went TO Mentone'
Of which he gives a quaint description'
and where he met short Englishman
with very long legs" who was con-
stantly wrapped in a Scotch plaid. and
whose name was Cecil Rhodes Tne me-
moirs are replete with new and inter-
esting anecdotes Of Theophile Gautier'
There was something of the sadness ana
nathos OF Don Quixote in Theophlle
Gautler. who, during his lifetime, was
seldom understood. To the public ne
was the impetuous spectator who donned
the famous red waistcoat on the occa-
sion Of the first night OF "Ernani, as
symbol Of his convictions. II never put
Il on but once, and wore 1t all my lie,
but It was not really red" observed the
bon Theo." who could never console
himself for not having been painter
and suffered without murmur during
his herculean literary work. He was a
Bonapartist but not an aggressive one
Gautier officiated as one Of the two
witnesses, or best men," at the wedding
Of his friend Georges Charpentier, the
publisher The other witness was Pierre
Ianfrey. author OF the life of Napoleon.
in which the Emperor was represented
as a cruel, selfish tyrant Lanfrey did
not open his mouth once during the day,
not even TO drink champagne at the
wedding breakfast. For heavens sake,
talk to him." urged the host. What
can say to him." "Why, congratulate
him on being named French Ambassador
TO Switzerland" SO Theophile Gautier
approached Lanfrey, and in his SOFT
velvet voice remarked: Il am told that
YOU are about to incarnate the Athenian
republic in the capital Of the contempt
ible sectarians of Geneva; accept my
compliments, because you will find your
soif ouite at home there" G.. /. 3.