A STORY OF THE FRANCOGERMAN WAR.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2519, 1 September 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

A STORY OF THE FRANCOGERMAN WAR.

A correspondent of the London Times sent the following , : "Some interesting information with reference to a very curious incident which occurred during the Franco-German war has come to hand. In 1870 three French visitors established themselves in a hotel in a well-known German town, where they remained several months. Being then in want of funds, and unablo to pay their bill, they were compelled to leave in the hands of the landlord in satisfaction of his claim a package which they had brought from France. This, upon . examination, was found to contain a sumptuously-designed State chair. The name ' Napoleon ' was embroidered upon the silk covering of the back and Beat; and on the occupant pressing his hands upon the finely-carved gilt arms a musical air was played hy an instrument concealed within the upholstery. The care of this, remarkable piece of furniture seomed tho only occupation of the strangers, who are supposed to have been awaiting tho advance of the French army, and in the event of its proving victerious would doubtless have conveyed the chair to Berlin, where, it is presumed, it was to have been used as a throne by the Emperor Napoleon. The chair remains in the possession of the widow of the Frenchmen's host."