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Rh one characteristic distinctly and pre-eminently French it is the honour of country, what might be called a national chivalry. The glory and the good name of their native land is an exalted mania with all Frenchmen. Let them know the facts, and not even the Emperor would dare further to countenance actions that would reflect upon the good name of France. This was Bigelow's opinion. And as a last chance it was to this end that he turned all his energy.

He went to the leader of the French bar—a man grown old in the service of his country, the soul of integrity, whose probity as well as consummate legal acumen had placed him in the foremost rank of his times. He was also a member of the Corps Législatif, a powerful factor in the opposition. The case was put frankly before him.

Whatever his opinions with regard to the American struggle, the Frenchman was indignant and astonished that France should be made to play this underhand rôle. He agreed