Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-10-26
Ex-Empress Still Bright at Ninety-Four

derful museum I saw relics Of the
first Napoleon that conjure up all
sorts of visions to the imaginative
observer. There hangs the gray
greatcoat that he wore at Waterloo
and the top boots and the saddle
which was carried by the gray
charger of which he was so fond.
Concerning these boots Of Napoleon
a NNaint story is told. One day when
the late King Edward was paying a
visit to the empress and was explor-
ing the museum he picked them up
from their case and looked at the
soles. "Ah." he said, Napoleon was
not always an extravagant man! You
see, these boots have been repaired
and resoled more than once"
Napoleon's cooked hat is also in this
case. while in another tail plate -glass
case are to be seen a court gown and
velvet mantle worn by the Empress
Josephine, and not far. away Is the
coronation robe of the Empress Eu-
genie herself, with it's mantle of royal
blue velvet powdered with the golden
bees OF France.
Side by side with two gorgeous state
carriages that belonged to the third
Napoleon and his consort Is tiny
miniature state carriage that was
used by the prince imperial when he
was baby Of three or four years Of
age. It Is a perfect replica in. every
detail OF the splendid equipage built
for state occasions for his imperial
parents. Another moro modern but
very interesting relic in this amazing
collection is q stick Of ebony with
tortoise-shell crooked handle having
q band Of French blue enamel inlaid
with diamonds and a diamond impe-
rial cipher and crown set upon the
shell. This stick was given to the
empress BY King Alfonso on the last
occasion that he visited Marlborough
Hill The old lady was very proud Of
1t and used to use it whom taking
her walks, instead Of the plain ebony
one she now carries. But ono day
when she was walking in the woods
q rough looking man followed her.
and as the diamonds glistened in the
sunlight she became very nervous
about her treasure. From that day
she refused to carry il. and 1t now
has it's place in her museum.
There are great chests OF oak bound
md hinged with brass standing about
n this hall Of wonder. The legend is
hat they are full of bullion and were
brought over from France along with
'ther treasures many years ago.
that Is SO or not. very few
'eople know. but there they stand
With their huge padlocks. represent
ng a wealth which perhaps may only
'xist In the imagination. 1t is very
doubtful now whether the true story
4 the ex-Empress Eugene and her
and trials will ever be writ
en-. for 1t is said that she Is contin-
ALLY destroying papers Of inealcula-
lie value. 1t 10 her within. and she is
self-willed.
Several of the young officers who
uring the years Of war have been in
ally intercourse with this remarka-
lie old lady say that she has o grasp
t every possible subject that Is posi-
lively astonishing. II q man in her
'ospital has in his civil life been an
Electrician or a mining expert or a
awyer or a schoolmaster she will
onverse on any subject relating to
is profession with an expert knowl-
dye that is quite embarrassing.
1T is almost impossible to believe
hat she is nearly a century DID," said
ne of these men. Her hearing is so
cute. her brain so active. The only
ray she displays tiny special sign of
ge is in her sight. which is greatly
nected by weather conditions. Some
ines she sees with great clearness,
nd another day when it is damp and
old and she comes in to visit us she
yill make mistakes I'm distance and
oes not always know who is who but
don't think anybody except those