New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-07-02
HENRI ROCHEFORT DEAD
Picturesque French Political
Figure Passes Away.

Aix-les-B ains, July 1. - Henri Roche
fort. for a long series OF years one OF the
most prominent figures in French po-
litical life. died here to-day from COM
plication of maladies al the age OF
eighty-three. The real name Of Henri
Rochefort was the Marquis Victor Henri
de Rochefort-Lucay. He was the son o.
the Maruuis Claude Louis Marie de
Rochefort-Lucay. most successful
author of light plays.
Henri Rochefort was a Partisan OF the
Parisians. as he was born in the French
capital and passed the greater part OF his
life there He took part in its defence
against the Prussians In lS1o-'1 as a
member Of the government Of the ma
tional defence, and at other times worked
as a municipal official. as Deputy. as a
Journalist and as playwright
His ardent patriotism often led him to
excuses in the expression Of his
opinions and brought him into conflict
with the law. In ISL he was condemned
TO deportation. and was transported 10
Noumea in New Caledonia, whence he,
with several companions in captivity.
managed 10 escape in 1874 and TO board
an American vessel. which took him
and his comrades TO San Francisco. He
remained there some time before return
Ing 20 Europe. He was, however unable
to re-enter his beloved France until the
issue Of the general amnesty in $50
Soon afterward he became a Deputy
but resigned in 1885. He then took up the
cause Of General Boulanger, for which
he was brought before the courts and
condemned by default to perpetual de-
tention in a fortress. He, however. es-
caped 10 London. where he remained TIL
another amnesty permitted HIS return IN
1896. after which for some ten years or
more he wrote almost daily for the ultra
patriotic organ. "LIntransigeant"
Newspaper readers Of Paris were
shocked one day last summer when IT
was learned that for the first time In
fifty years Henri Rochefort one Of
Frances most picturesque journalists
and statesmen. often called Knight
errant OF the pen" had failed 10 sup
ply his daily slashing editorial For
more than two generations he had at
tackled everybody and everything. and
now. il was announced. his eyes had
failed and he had retired 10 the country
10 rest.
MY old teeth can still bite" he said,
declaring he would soon return TO Paris.
hut those who knew him were certain
that Comte Victor Henri de Rochefort-
Lucay. politician. playwright. revolution
ist. duellist and journalist, had become "A
figure Of the past.
DESPITE his caustic attacks upon pun
lie men and affairs, the picturesque
ness of his career made him immensely
popular with his countrymen. He was
horn at Paris on January 30 1880, and
while engaged as hotel clerk began his
newspaper career as a dramatic critic.
later he became editor Of "CharivarL"
His work in that capacity and as a con-
trlbutor TO other papers stamped MIN as
dangerous foe OF the empire. He was
soon spending at least six months OF the
year in jail for his attacks on Napoleon
IT'S government. but at the same time
ne earned more than 25o.Ooo francs year
nv his writings, the entire French press
being generally opposed TO the empire.
In 1868 Rochefort published La Lam
ter,,e." which was con1scated by the po-
lice He was arrested, and after paying
q fine Of 1000 francs and spending year
IN fail fed to Belgium. He was soon
back in Paris. however popular sent-
rnent favoring his return. He then es-
tabushed La Marseillaise." and con-
tinued his vitriolic writings, his attacks
on Prince Pierre Bonaparte resulting In
the assassination Of Victor Noir. one OF
Rocheforts most brilliant assistants.
During the Commune Rochefort was
one Of its leaders. although he was later
condemned by that body to life imprison-
ment Before he was deported ne was
released temporarily that he might marry
Leonide Leblanc.