SMUGGLING BY COURT LADIES.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1579, 4 March 1887, Page 3

SMUGGLING BY COURT LADIES.

In ISII, Napoleon and Marie-Louise visited Holland and Belgium. At Brussels, by the Emperor's desire, the Empress purchased 50,000' worth of lace, in order to revive the national industry.

The introduction of English merchandis9 into France (says the recentlypublished book on Napoleon and Marie-Louise) was then strictly forbidden; all the prohibited wares that were seized were burned without mercy. The result was that every one was trying to procure some of them. Belgium was still full of Eagiish wares, carefully hidden, and all the ladies in the suite of the Empress made large purchases. Marie-Louise was not behindhand either. Several vehicles were laden with these prizes, not Without fear lest the Emperor should be informed of the fact, and should have them all seized on arriving in France. The moment of departure came, and the Bhine was passed and Coblenz reached. Fifteen vehicles bearing tho arms of the Emperor, and composing the first " service, " or the advance guard, if I may use that expression, arrived simultaneously at the gates of the town. The officials were uncertain as to what they ought to do j some wanted to stop and Bearch the vehicles, others were adverse to doing so, alleging that respect was due to everything belonging to the Emperor. Tbe latter counsels prevailed. The vehicles entered freely; and, having passed the first line of the French Customs, they brought their cargo of prohibited merchandise to sate haven at Paris. It is quite certain that if they had been stopped and confiscated Napoleon, far from taking it ill, would have laughed h-jartily, and would probably have rewarded the individual who had been courageous enough to do his duty.