Evening star., 1938-06-19
Centenary of the Death
of Talleyrand
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

l1AotOI ldLo bllu oHlOtIlhbiSLS O1 NlAIiy
countries at this season are giving
thought to the fact that the great Talley-
rand has been dead just century. In
these times when political leaders in
high positions see rapid changes in world
events and in personnel of governments,
the career Of Talleyrand seems well nigh
incredible. Active in public life in times
which we're II anything more turbulent
than the present, he managed to remain
in ofhce under successive regimes and
to WELD an unprecedented influence
He Is of special interest to Americans
because he was a visitor here and also
because he took part in important events
affecting American history. His visit to
the United States came early in his
career. He had been appointed adviser
to the French Ambassador at London,
but when the French and the British
came to swords points over the politics
Of the low countries, he was handed his
passports. He did not wish to return to
France, so he set sail for the infant
American Republic. That was in 1893
George Washington still was alive and
in his second term as President of the
United States.
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Talleyrand, OF course, had come here
as a private citizen, and while he was
received cordially his reception was not
ofncial. He held no ONCE. His purpose
was to see what manner Of nation had
sprung up in the western world. He
preferred to mingle with the people
rather than with offlcialdom or formal
society. Moreover, he took occasion to
engage in land speculation, making ex-
tensive purchases. During his stay of
80 months in the United States he made
numerous acquaintances, but he wanted
to return to France as soon as the politi-
cal weather cleared over there.
During the War of 1872 he had reached
q high place in French councils. He
could not act officially but it Is known
that he assisted American privateers to
outfit vessels to act against the British
even though, officially, the French gov
ernment was none too friendly to the
United States at the time. As q matter
of historical fact the French were prey
ing on American commerce as well as
the British, and examination OF state
papers of the period reveals that there
was a reasonable doubt as to whether the
United States would declare war on
Great Britain, as happened, or on France
or, possibly, both. There were similar
grievances against both nations.
~ ~
In view Of this situation It is some
what remarkable that Talleyrand would
have run the risk of assisting American
privateersmen. However, throughout his
life he bore the reputation of fearless
action and it has further been said that
he probably made arrangements to share
prize money won by the Americans. That
is not beyond the bounds of probability.
At any rate in this important war which
was won by American privateersmen. he
did give important aid.
In contrast. however, he did exert his
influence with Napoleon to prevent the
Louisiana Purchase and. although in the
end unsuccessful, delayed that transac-
ton for some time
Few stranger men ever lived than Tai
leyrand. He was born in 1754 at Paris.
the son of Lieutenant general of the
French Army, a great aristocrat with
connections among the greatest families.
He was christened Charles Maurice D.
Talleyrand-Perigord and, from birth,
was destined for the priesthood. Tha
destiny might have been altered. but
when he was about years old, he fell
from tall chest of drawers and received
foot injury which lasted throughout
his life. Otherwise he might ON the
death of his elder brother soon after.
had been trained for the army as head
of the family, or prospectively 50, but the
injured foot checkmated that.
He did not want to be a priest. He
rebelled with all his childhood strengt,
against the idea, but, at the age of S.
was entered upon his theological train
ing and. at 13. was at St. Sulspice. In
revolt he secretly read the works Of such
writer's as Voltaire and Montesouieu and
when he finally took priests orders he
was priest only in form.
At Paris he entered upon a life which
bordered on the licentious. It was felt
that he had broken faith with his class.
the old French Catholic aristocracy: for
example, his uncle was Archbishop of
Rheims. 1t was natural then that when
the French Revolution occurred he
should be found among the supporters of
the Directory, even though, by that time.
he had become bishop, but a political
rather than religious one He resigned
his See and was communicated by the
Pope. He took Office under the Directory
beginning his extraordinary diplomatic
career
His first assignment was the London
one which failed. After his return from
the United States he was appointed
largely as the result Of the influence OF
his friend, Nine, de Stael. foreign min
lister OF France under the Directory, a
remarkable advance. Napoleon was the
rising young general of the Directory at
this period and Talleyrand: with sort of
foresight especially useful to diplomats,
realized that 1t would be Napoleon and
not the Directory which soon would be
the master OF France. He made friends
with the Little Corporal.
1t was at this period that he is credited
with engaging in irregular dealings with
american emissaries sent to arrange set
tlement OF certain claims. Because of
this he fell into i'll odor with the Direc-
tory but little cared because, as he had
1oreSeen, Napoleon soon was on top. Ma
poleon was first consul and, behold, Tall
leyrand became his minister Of foreign
affairs.
His career with Napoleon was not
wholly smooth. They had serious dis
agreements, but he managed to holJ
some post of honor and responsibility all
through the rise of that ruler. He seems
to have had a sincere desire for peace
and often sought to moderate Napoleon's
military ambitions. This was of no avail
but when Napoleon assumed the title of
emperor he named Talleyrand grand
chamberlain Of the empire with a salary
OF 100000 francs year. Also he created
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