Milford chronicle., 1920-07-16

pirs-Freneh Court Of Her Day Was
Splendid.
Madrid.-The former Empress Eu-
genie Of France died here.
The former empress was "a years
old During the war She worked hard
for the victory of the allies The
struggle found her in a splendid home
at Marlborough Hill in Hampshire,
England Early in the conflict she
gave up her quiet and secluded life
there, So that her home could be trans
ferred into a hospital for wounded
British officers. Despite her advanced
age she assumed entire direction Of
the place and devoted herself TO aid
ing the wounded men.
While the war was in progress she
had said she hoped 10 live to see the
Germans driven from France After
half a century Of seemingly hopeless
waiting she lived to see the Prusslans
humbled, and is said to have found
eontentment in her knowledge Of their
humiliation through the peace Of Yer
sailles The once internationally not
ed beauty had become withered and
wrinkled woman. but the love of
France still animated her.
\ Eugenie was born In Granada, .
SNaln. in 1926 Her father, Count de
MdntiiO, was Of q noble Spanish fam {
lly, while her mother was of Scotch .
extraction, her maiden name being
Kirkpatrick Her maternal grand .
father was William Kirkpatrick, an
American citizen.
In their frequent Journeys to Al
aershot to review troops during the
war, King George and Queen Mary
Sften called upon the former empress
of France, at Marlborough Hill.
For forty-four years Eugene has a
raried and picturesque life. As
Spanish countess she Travelled through
Europe and visited the French court
Later she became the wife Of NapO-
ieon III. She had one son, Prince Ma
poleon.
All Of the glory, splendOr, tragedy,
lnd love of her life was destined to
hang upon the slender thread Of a
chance meeting with this emperor OF
France. Touring Europe with her
sister. the beautiful Eugenie was seen
5y the emperor at ball in Paris.
"Who is she?n. he asked of the Prin-
ress Natilde. the hostess.
"a madamOiselle de MOntifo, a for
higner. A newcomer from Andalusia."
81 want to be introduced" said Ma
pOleen.
For several days the emperor sought
her company. Walking in the imperial
gardens one day, he asked his fair
companion, as If to make conversa-
ton. If she had ever been in love.
81 should deceive you sir" the girl
replied, "lf I did not confess that my
heart has been touched. and more
Than once. but have never forgotten
that I am Mile. de Montijo.'
"Then," said the emperor, 'you
shall become empress
Stepping to the hedge, he broke
wreath of green and placed it upon
her head. "a temporary crown until
the other is prepared" he said.
Forthwith the emperor forwarded a
reouest for her hand to her mother,
and on January 20, 1853, they were
married, within two months Of their
first meeting.
In a brief time Hugenle became be-
loved BY her people. When she and
her mother made their home In
France. the imperial court took on
new splendor. she had been close
enough to the common people before ,
her marriage to know their sufferings
and sorrows.
Eugenie's court became the most .
spectacular in Europe. On every side
we're evidences Of the most lavish ex-
penditures.
Then in a day the whole structure
Of imperial eminence collapsed. The
other half OF her life was mournful.
so much so that Eugenie had said: Il
wish I had passed when the shadowy
fabric of my dreams fell apart" e
Thai day of disaster was september a
1 1870 when she and all Paris heard Il
II the defeat and capture Of Napoleon I
1t Sedan. The empress was popularity
accused Of bringing on that disas- T
-rous war with Prussia. Historians p
,ave since declared that there is lit .
lie to support such charges, but the 4
-lotous mobs Of Paris, shouting for e
he new republic which the deputies Il
proclaimed. stormed the palace Of the
Huilleries and howled lmprecations e
non Eugenie's head until the empress a
became convinced her life was In
,eru. She escaped to England. d
But exile was not enough. The fall /
Il the empire was followed by the Il
ieath of the exiled Emperor Napoleon s
III. in England three years later, and i
he killing Of his only son, the prince &
imperial. while in battle with the Eng
lsh against the Zulus.