"To Be Shot Dead at Six."

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 82, 27 December 1884, Page 4

"To Be Shot Dead at Six."

A terrible example has been made in Tonquin. One of the special correspondents attached to the expedition now in the field was Camille Farcy, well known as a brilliant writer. He had long been connected with " La France," one of the leading journals. Thearmy which he was detailed to accompany was that of Gen. Forgemol. The officer is a martinet, and entertains the most rigid ideas regarding discipline. Beforetheexpeditionary force landed, he, in conjunction with Gen. Vincendon, concocted the following pledge, which all journalists were obliged to sign :— I t .promise upon my honour, to transmit no information whatever, either by telegraph or mail, or by any other means, without first having submitted my manuscript to the officer commanding such expedition, or to such officer or officers as he may delegate that power to. I further [agree that any failure to keep this pledge will expose me to the rigorus of martial law. This document was signed by all the correspondents attached to the expedition. When Farcy's turn came, he took the pen, but it was with evident reluctance that he signed. When he had done so he said to Forgemol : "General, I sign this document only because I am forced to do so ; because, without doing so I cannot fulfil my duty as a correspondent ; because, without doing so I could not accompany the expedition But I warn you, sir, that I shall speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, touching such matters as may come under my observation." And with a defiant glance at the General, Camille withdrew. The old general gnawed his grizzled moustache to conceal his wrath. He did what perhaps most men would have done — he set a spy to dog the footsteps of Farcy. The expedient was successful. Two evenings after the spy defected, the journalist, under a disguise, quitting the camp. He followed, and saw him deposit a large envelope in one of the minor postoffices upon the frontier. He was at once arrested and conducted to Forgemol's headquarters. " Aha !" said the General, "at it already, my fine fellow? Well, what have we here ?" and he seized and broke open the envelope. '* Hum — addressed to 'La France.' Evidently some correspondence which you were sending without my knowledge." "Yes, General," said Farcy calmly. " Let us see what it is," said Forgemol, as lie began to peruse the |letter. "General," said Farcy, coldly, "permit me to remind you that you are violating private correspondence." "Private correspondence? Bah 1" retorted Forgemol. " Very private, indeed ! All Paris would know it another day," and he resumed his reading. There were some severe strictures in the letter upon the conduct of the campaigns. Forgemol's reading was interrupted by joaths and when he finished he was purple with rage. "So," said he, grimly, "you consider yourself competent to judge of the operations of a General in the field, do you ? Well, sir, you shall have a taste of martial law to add to your knowledge of military affairs." Farcy disdained to defend himself. A court-martial was immediately convened. Its proceedings were summary— its sentence short : " Camille Farcy is condemned to be shot at six in the morning." It was then midnight. The doomed man was placed in charge of a lieutenant and a squad of soldiers, put upon a special train, and was borne swiftly into the capital city, where the execution was to take place. At half-past five the train dashed into che city. It passed under the walls of the palace where Albert Grevy, the GovernorGeneral, lives instate. The windows were brightly lighted, and tho strains of a waltz \vei*e borne to the ears of the prisoner. The Governor was giving a bail. " You have half an hour in v hich to prepare for death,'" said the lieutenant compassionately. " Would you like to have me send for a priest ?" "I suppose," paid Farcy, "you wil* grant my last request"'" " Yes." "Then let me go to the ball. I would I like to have a waltz before 1 die." The officer bowed, and repaired to M. Grevy's palace. " His request shall be granted," said the President's brother. " Who could refuse a dying man's request ? Bring him here ; he shall dance with my daughter. " And it was done. The last moments of his life were spent on a ball-room floor. At 6 o'clock the officer spoke : "The file is waiting," said lie. "Let us go," said Farcy. He saluted the dancers and withdrew. When he reached the ground where the file was waiting him, he refused to allow his eyes to be bandaged, and demanded permission to give the word of command. " May all journalists do as I have done,' 1 said he; "it is their duty." Then, folding his arms, he cried : "Fire!" The crash of the muskets rang out on the morning air. Camille Farcy fell dead, pierced with balls. The vengeance af Gen. Forgemol was accomplished. — " Paris Figaro."