Chapter XXI Financing the Emperor and “The Cause”144
Comte de La Chapelle’s Letters to Napoleon III.
The “Subscription” Assured.
To His Majesty the Emperor.
Undated.
Sire,
I do not know how to express to your Majesty how grieved I am because of the mishap which has occurred, and of which I am the involuntary cause.
Mr. ——, instead of going to Cowes on Friday, as had been arranged, was obliged to spend the day in the City, and he sent word to me in the evening to inquire whether he might present himself before your Majesty on the following day, and whether I could accompany him. As for me, believing that he was going away, and thinking that I had two or three days’ time, I went to Belgium, and only returned yesterday evening.
As Mr. —— did not find me, he thought that he ought to wait for me, and it was only this morning that I was able to get this explanation. He is annoyed to think that your Majesty waited for him. He again repeated to me what he had intended to say himself to your Majesty on the subject of the subscription. He only requires a few more days to complete his business connected with the railways. “And then,” he said, “I shall carry out my promises to a large extent, and you can, in presenting my humble respects and excuses to the Emperor, give the assurance to His Majesty that I and my friends...” [The concluding words are undecipherable.]
(Signed) A. de La Chapelle.
Anxious Moments, but “Good Results” hoped for.
To His Majesty the Emperor.
August 6, 1872.
Sire,
I have been very busy taking various measures, but I regret to say that for some weeks past I have encountered obstacles which seem likely to delay the realization of promises.
In a number of instances the impression produced by the [war] loan has cooled the ardour which had been first shown, and has deferred the engagements; in other cases I have to combat the animosity or the actions of people who, after having had relations with the Empire, have had the indelicacy to borrow on their own account and to speculate on their relations with the Emperor.
Thus I am obliged to reassure myself of the co-operation of those who were most inclined to subscribe large amounts. I must confess to your Majesty that these matters cause me anxious moments, and the disappointments which I meet with would discourage me if I did not summon all my energy and call to mind that it is absolutely necessary for me to attain the object proposed.
Finally, Mr. —— is expected in London on Saturday next, and as soon as I have been able to see him I shall telegraph to inquire on what day your Majesty could receive him.
I am still in hope that all promises in this direction will be fulfilled, and that, with his co-operation and that of his friends, we shall obtain good results.
(Signed) A. de La Chapelle.
£10,000 Available for the Emperor, in Instalments of £2,000.
To His Majesty the Emperor.
Undated.
Sire,
I have this morning imparted to Mr. —— the idea which your Majesty had the kindness to express in a telegram, and I explained, moreover, how urgent it seemed to me to procure funds for the French Press.
Mr. —— replied that he would certainly bring to a happy conclusion the combination entered into by himself and some friends, in order to realize a substantial subscription, but that he still required a little time.
“Nevertheless,” he added, “I can already place at the Emperor’s service a sum of 250,000 francs [£10,000], as an instalment of the subscription which I and my friends are collecting, but I should desire that this amount be [? payable] by instalments of 50,000 francs [£2,000] each, at intervals of a few days.”
Mr. —— will leave for Paris on Saturday next, to remain there eight days, and if your Majesty would kindly at once send his orders, the address of his offices is....
As for me, I shall await your Majesty’s decision as to whether I should go to Cowes or remain in London.
Your Majesty will, perhaps, think that [our] success is still far from being equal to what was looked for; but, notwithstanding all [the] steps taken, and all my zeal, more time is required than I had expected; this worries me very much.
(Signed) A. de La Chapelle.
M. Rouher receives £2,000 for the Emperor.
To His Majesty the Emperor.
September 8, 1872.
Sire,
M. Rouher has received the 50,000 francs [£2,000] announced, and since the Emperor will be back at Camden Place on October 1, I shall have the honour to explain the situation to your Majesty.
Mr. —— has received his picture of the Battle of Sedan, and he asks me to inquire of your Majesty whether he would be allowed to have it taken to Camden Place for inspection by the Imperial Family.
Having been obliged to give up the publication of the “International,” I have made arrangements to begin next week the publication of a little daily paper, in English and French, with the title “Paris and London News.”
The principal object which I aim at is to resuscitate the “Telegraphic Despatch,” begun last year, but appealing to the English and French public, as well as to the Press.
I shall remain anonymous in order not to be annoyed in France, and in order to lend more force to my pathetic telegrams.
In order to keep the secret I have acquired a little printing-office... for pamphlets and books.
... All my plans, but altogether the desire to be of use, which I trust your Majesty will pardon me.
(Signed) A. de La Chapelle.
The Count in Contact with “Influential Persons of all Countries.”
To His Majesty the Emperor.
September 15, 1872.
Sire,
Having returned to London, I hasten to place myself at your Majesty’s disposal.
In compliance with the request made, I called on M. Rouher on Thursday morning, the 12th inst., to ask him at what time he would receive Mr. ——. I was told that he had not arrived, and that the date of his arrival was not known.
At Mr. ——’s request, I returned the next day, the 13th, but was no more successful than the previous day, so that Mr. —— left Paris without being able to comply with the letter which your Majesty had the kindness to write him, and in which your Majesty expressed the wish that he should spend the 12th with M. Rouher. He wished to know to-day what he ought to do.
M. de ——, an intimate friend of a relation of mine, has sent me a booklet, which I enclose for your Majesty. He is the author of it, and he would be glad, when publishing another edition shortly, to insert any rectification which might be pointed out.
During my stay in Paris my business in connection with railways brought me into contact with influential persons of all countries, and I was convinced that solid progress had been made in favour of our cause, and that people were looking forward to the future. A crisis is believed to be inevitable in connection with the interest on the loans,145 and this is thought to be the rock which will wreck M. Thiers’s boat.
The propaganda against the Empire is prosecuted at Paris, and as for us, we do not seem to have any organization.
(Signed) A. de La Chapelle.
“Fully Subscribed.”
To His Majesty the Emperor.
September 17, 1872.
Sire,
Mr. —— gives orders by this evening’s post to pay to-morrow a sum of 50,000 francs [£2,000] at M. Rouher’s, and in a few days’ time he will pay 200,000 francs [£8,000]; the remainder of the subscription will be paid as soon as his business with the “Era” is terminated.
I am busy with various matters which I hope will have good results, and as soon as I have succeeded I will hasten to inform the Emperor. May your Majesty deign to accept the homage of my profound respect and my perfect devotion!
(Signed) A. de La Chapelle.
P.S.—The funds of Mr. ——’s subscription will be paid in Paris through the intermediary of Mr. ——, his agent.
Payment Delayed.
To His Majesty the Emperor.
Undated.
Sire,
M. ——, agent to M. —— at Paris, has several times called on M. Rouher without being able to see him. It seems that he is in the country.
The paying of the funds is consequently delayed, which is not our fault. I will ask them to see about it again.
The picture of the Battle of Sedan, with the report of the Prince of Prussia, has been bought by M. ——, and as the Government has caused the photographic negatives to be broken, I have suggested that the picture should be reproduced in London on a large scale, and that copies should be distributed in France.
If the Emperor does not disapprove of the project, it will be carried out as soon as the picture reaches London.
In a few days’ time several persons who have promised to subscribe will have returned to town, and I shall call on them and remind them of their promises.
I have several times been tempted to go to Cowes to have the honour to present my respects to the Emperor, but have feared to be troublesome.
(Signed) A. de La Chapelle.
A “Subscription,” not a “Loan.”
To His Majesty the Emperor.
Undated.
Sire,
Mr. —— having sent for me and asked me whether, because of a letter received from the Emperor, he ought to change what had been arranged between us with regard to payments, I replied that I did not know, but that it seemed to me that in the letter the purchase of newspapers had been mentioned, and that he would be able to settle the question at the rendezvous at M. Rouher’s to which he is invited for September 12.
He then added: “I shall arrange to pay a larger amount at one time for the needs of the cause and the purchase of newspapers.”
I take the liberty of again repeating to your Majesty that it is here only a question of subscription, and not a loan; and if I dwell on this point it is because I desire to make it plain that I have never departed from the letter of the mission confided to me.
I intend leaving London for five or six days, but if your Majesty had any command or instructions for me, I should be happy to get a telegram, and to delay my departure, which was to be to-morrow, Saturday, evening.
My journey is connected with the reappearance of my paper; for I was obliged to give up the plans of the “International,” partly because promises have not been kept, and partly in order to separate myself from a circle which might have injured our cause.
(Signed) A. de La Chapelle.
Telegram to “Comte de Pierrefonds.”146
From Count de La Chapelle to Comte de Pierrefonds, Marine Hotel, Cowes (Isle of Wight).
Have seen Mr. ——, and have arranged matters with him. Shall write particulars by next post.
Received telegram. Could not meet yet Mr. ——. Shall endeavour to see him to-night, and shall telegraph his answer.
“Before long I will give you the Highest Mark of Confidence.”—Napoleon III.
To His Highness the Prince Imperial of France.
March, 1873.
Monseigneur,
Being entirely deprived of the happiness of seeing your Highness, I take the liberty of addressing these few words to you.
His Majesty the Emperor was kind enough to count on my devotion, and until a few days ago147 I was honoured by His friendship and His valued confidence.
I loved the Emperor with all my soul. He commanded my life, and He knew it.
One month before the terrible catastrophe which has so grievously befallen us, the Emperor pronounced these words: “Before long, dear M. de La Chapelle, I will give you the highest mark of confidence which I can give you.” I bowed. I felt myself the happiest of men; I felt that I could do anything if the Emperor commanded. These kind words I shall always guard in my memory, and I have long since vowed that I would be to the son what I had desired to be to the father.
Thus you see, Monseigneur, that, happen what may, whether or not I shall be allowed to see you often, you will always find me ready to abandon everything, and place my devotion and my humble services at your disposal, only too happy if your Majesty will deign to accept them.
(Signed) A. de La Chapelle.
Comte de Clary to the Comte de La Chapelle.
Camden Place, Chislehurst, December 30, 1871.
Dear Friend,
I have duly received your letter, and I at once handed the enclosure to the Empress. Her Majesty read it with interest, and thanks you. Moreover, she charges me to tell you that if during your stay in Paris, you should hear anything of interest, she would be pleased to hear of it. Au revoir, dear friend. Please present my respects to Mme. de La Chapelle, and accept my sincerest wishes on the occasion of the New Year. It is terribly cold here.
Very affectionately yours,
(Signed) Comte de Clary.
From the Same to the Same.
Camden Place, Chislehurst, January 1, 1872.
Just a line, dear friend, to let you know that the Empress and the Prince Imperial will be most happy to see you to-morrow, Sunday, in the afternoon. Till to-morrow. And I shall be very happy to shake hands with you.
Yours faithfully,
Comte de Clary.
Conversation with the Prince Imperial.
March 9, 1873.
The Prince said to me:
“I know what great confidence the Emperor placed in you, and I know how fond he was of you. I know how devoted you were to him. Not everybody here likes you; but, as for me, do not forget that I feel for you the same attachment that my father did, and I hope that you will often come to see me and speak to me of my poor father.”
Then we went on to discuss the situation. The Prince confided to me certain secrets regarding the organization of the party; then he asked me what the intentions of his father might have been on this or that point.
I answered.
“Well, then,” he said, “I shall act in the same way when the opportunity occurs, and, as regards what is now going on, I intend to make a complete change in a year’s time, and to take the initiative myself, which is my due.”
After having given an account to the Prince of the plans of my friends, finances, and the elections, he repeated that he depended on me... and I was to come and see him often.
(Signed) A. de La Chapelle.
Letter from Émile Zola to the Comte de La Chapelle.
Médan, July 15, 1892.
Dear Sir,
I thank you heartily for your kindness in sending me the reply which you were good enough to send to the question of the “Figaro.”
It is calculated to make me feel very proud, and I assure you that I am greatly touched because of the solid support which it gives to the historical portion of my work.148 I shall always be extremely grateful to you.
Believe me, Sir,
Very truly and cordially yours,
(Signed) Émile Zola.
THE EMPEROR’S LETTER TO M. ROUHER.149
Chislehurst,
le 12 J., 1871.
Mon cher Monsieur Rouher,
Je vous écris pour vous faire faire la connaissance de Mr. de La Chapelle, littérateur distingué, qui a publié un récit très bien fait de la campagne de 1870, et qui m’a donné des preuves de dévouement dont je suis fort touché.
Recevez la nouvelle assurance de ma sincère amitié,
Napoléon.
Translation.
Chislehurst,
June 12, 1871.
My dear Mr. Rouher,
I am writing in order that you may make the acquaintance of M. de La Chapelle, a distinguished littérateur, who has published a very admirable account of the campaign of 1870, and who has given me proofs of devotion which have greatly touched me.
Receive this new assurance of my sincere friendship,
Napoléon.