Napoleon’s “ M ” and Richard Wagner's “ 13.”

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVI, Issue 22, 2 June 1906, Page 10

Napoleon’s “ M ” and Richard Wagner's “ 13.”

Coincidence is, of course, the basis of superstition. So many coincidences are noted from time to time that it would not be remarkable if the list of common superstitions increased yearly. Consider. for example, the great- part that the letter M played in the career of Napoleon I. The letter seems to have been both lucky and unlucky for him. It has been pointed out that his first great battle was Marengo, and that his decline began with Moscow. Marboe was the first to recognise the genius of Napoleon at the Ecole Militaire. Melas opened to him the way to Italy. Mortier was one of his first generals. Moreau betrayed hint, and Murat was the first martyr to his cause. Marie Louise partook of his highest destinies. Metternich conquered him on the field of diplomacy. . Six marshals—Massena, Mortier, Marmont, Macdonald, Murat, Muncy—and twenty-six of his generals of divisions had names beginning with the letter M.' Murat, Duke of Bassane, was the counsellor in whom he placed the greatest confidence. He gained the battles of Moscow, Montmirail and Monteereau.' Then came the assault on Montmaitre. Milan was the first enemies’ capital, and Moscow the last in which he entered. He lost Egypt through the blunders of Menoa, and employed Miollis to make Pius VII. prisoner. Malet conspired

against him, afterward Marmont. Hig Ministers were Maret, Montalivet, and Mollien. His first chamberlain was Motesquieu. Napoleon's most unlikely letter was W, with which two ominous words begin— Wellington, Waterloo.

As the letter M was connected with Napoleon’s life, so the figure 13 was connected with Richard Wagner’s, though generally in a more fortunate sense. Wagner was born in 1813, the numerals of which, added together, are equal to thirteen, and he received a name, the letters of which when added to those of his family name arc also equal to thirteen. Moreover, he finished "Tannhauser” on April 13. 1860, and it was per-, formed for the first time on March 13, 1861. Twenty-two years later he died, and again the mystical number was dominant, for he passed away on February 13, 1883.