Now let us go down, and take a nearer look at what is going on
below. At the foot of the column you will see a group of children
collected round a man with a large basket of little tin carriages
which are constructed in such a way that they will go with the wind
on a smooth place. For some distance round the column is laid the
asphaltum pavement. These little tin carriages run well across this
wide platform; and you might imagine that the tin horses carried
them. It is a pleasant thing to see the delight of the children, and
a lesson in good nature and good manners, to see how carefully all
the passers by turn aside, so as not to interrupt the progress of
these pretty toys.

Look up at the beautiful bas reliefs in bronze, on this noble
column, giving the history of so many fierce battles and so much
bloodshed, and at the military hero on the top, and then at these
laughing, merry children at the foot, running after the tin
carriages that go with the wind. Is it not a strange and moving
contrast? Does it not tell a story that all of us hope may be one
day true; when war shall belong only to history, and when peace
shall possess the earth?

Around the base of this beautiful column many of those who served
under Bonaparte, or who remember him with affection, hang wreaths
and garlands as expressions of their tender remembrance. This is
still done; these memorials are ever there. At one time this was
forbidden by the government, but to no purpose. At last, an officer
was stationed at the foot of the column with a water engine, and
with orders to play it upon any one who should bring any votive
offerings to the fallen hero. A lady, whose love and admiration
could not be so intimidated, came the next day in her carriage,