The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-03-10

parte, young army officer who only week before had been placed in command of the French forces in Italy. The approaching centenary of Napoleon's downfall has led to a re- viva1 of interest in this strange TO- nance, and many interesting letters that passed between the pair have lately been published in the French papers. The people of the island of Martinique are preparing to observe the 1s0th anniversary of Josephine's birth next June, while next year will be the one hundredth anniversary of her death.
 Josephine's career before her narrl- age to the man of destiny was checkered one. She was the daughter Of an impoverished French noble who lived a plantation in Martinique. The family mansion was swept away by hurricane, and the youth of the future empress was spent in Q sugar house. The marriage of Josephine to Alexander de Beauharnnias was an ac- cfdent, a caprice of fate with an un- dreamed of end. An aunt of the girl was a mistress of AIexander's father, and exercised a strong influence over him. She suggested that the young man offer he hand to one of her nieces in Martinique, of whom there were three Josephine was then f1f- teen, and the eldest of the girls Without. seeing any Of them, young Alexander de Beauharnias decided on the second in age of the three maid ems. but she died before his proposal was received. Josephine was substi- tuted, and was sent off to Paris to her husband. The marriage was un- happy, and, after Josephine had be- come the mother of a girl and a boy, they separated. They met again in prison, during the revolution, but even while facing death Josephine carried on an affair with Gen Hoche also a 171-i 17fI Rao sionate court to a beautiful woman. Beauharnias was guillotfned, but his widow was soon released, and found consolation in the society of M. Bar ras, member of the directory, who furnished an apartment for her use. This Haison continued for some time, and Barras was still the protector of Josephine when the young Corsican began paying attentions to her. Bar ras had tired of his mistress, and urg- ed Josephine to wed Bonaparte. Bar ras and Tallien were the witnesses at the wedding performed IF years ago today.
 In writing a friend for advice as to whether she should marry Napo- leon, Josephine said: "Barras assures me if I marry the General, he will get him appointed commander-in-chfef Of the Army of Italy" And Barras, the weary lover, was as good as his word.
 Two days after the wedding Napo- leon had to leave his bride to go to Italy. Dozens of letters written by him to Josephine at this time have recently been found at Malmaison, and all breathe a passionate devotion that the woman was far from feeling for her new husband. Within a few months the relations of other men with Josephine began to be talked about but it was not until he return ed from Egypt that these tales reach ed the ears of Bonaparte. During his absence Josephine had received mark ed attentions from many men, notably the young Hippolyte Charles, who was a constant visitor at her house. From that time on NapoIeon's impetuoue love for Josephine waned, although to the last she remained first and fore most in his affections.