M. Regnier, the M. or N. of the "Strange Story,"
has published the history of that intrigue in a pamphlet. It appears certain from this statement, if we accept it as true, that Bazaine did offer to capitulate on condition that he should be allowed to march into France, proclaim the Empress-Regent, and sign a peace ceding Alsace and Lorraine ; that Bismarck half accepted this proposal, though he shrank from it afterwards, and that it was overthrown by the Empress on the distinct ground that she would not sacrifice France to a dynastic interest. Nothing could move her, says M. Regnier, for who "can reason with a sentiment ?" The Empress will yet be styled, like the Duchess d'Angoulame, the "man of the family." It is curious that M. Regnier, who is evidently a aort of amateur Bismarck, though only a man of business in London, thinks M. Rouher the Empress's most trusted adviser.
Previous page
