Victor Hugo by H. T. Porter

 

Victor Hugo by H. T. Porter
From Jersey Life, 1966

VICTOR HUGO, the celebrated French V writer, was born at Besancon, Doubs, on February 26th, 1802, and, comparatively early in life, achieved great success, his genius as a novelist, poet and playwright ' being widely acknowledged.

As a politician, however, although he became a Peer of France and a Republican Deputy, he was a failure.

After the French Coup d'Etat of December 2nd, 1851, Louis-Napoleon assumed dictorial powers. He thus in-curred the intense hostility of Victor Hugo, who, passionately devoted to the cause of freedom, took refuge in Brussels, having fled from France with a forged passport and disguised as a workman. Whilst there he wrote Histoire d'un Crime, a reference to the Coup d'Etat.

The Belgian Government, fearing the effect that the possible publication of another of his works, Napoleon-le-Petit, might have on its relations with France, requested him to leave the country. This he did, from Antwerp, on August 1st, 1852, and made his way, via London, to Jersey, where he arrived on August 5th of the same year.

Within a short time he succeeded in renting a furnished house in Marine Terrace by the sea at St. Luke's in the Parish of St. Clement. This Terrace was, at that time, detached, and from 1852¬1855, in No. 3, the house now known as the Maison ;Victor Hugo Hotel, he lived with his family and Auguste Vacquerie, a relative. Here Victor Hugo wrote, among other works, Les Chatiments and part of Les Contemplations.

Other French exiles in the Island printed a paper called L'Homme, Organe de la Democratie Universelle. On October 10th, 1855, it reproduced a violent and disrespectful letter addressed to Queen Victoria (Lettre a la Reine d' Angleterre), which had been read in London at a meeting organized by the Comite Inter-national et de la Commune revolution¬naire. The letter was written by a French exile Felix Pyat who had sought sanctuary in London and who was enraged by the Queen's recent official visit to Napoleon III—L'Homme du Deux-Decembre.

For reproducing this letter, a document which caused great indignation in Jersey, the proprietor, the editor and the distributor of L'Homme were expelled from the Island by the Lieutenant Governor.

Victor Hugo thereupon wrote and signed a Declaration in protest, as a result of which he and the thirty-five other signatories thereof were also expelled.

 

On October 31st, 1855, he arrived in Guernsey where he, his family and Auguste Vacquerie resided at Hauteville House which he, Victor Hugo, had bought and in which he lived from 1856-1870. It is now a museum devoted to him and his possessions, many of these being of great interest and value. It is in St. Peter Port and belongs to the City of Paris. After 1870 he paid three visits to Guernsey—in 1872 (nearly a year), in 1875 (a week) and in 1878 (four months). In spite of his long residence in the Chan nel Islands, he made no attempt to learn English and used to say `Quand l'Angle-terre voudra causer avec moi, elle apprendra ma langue'. ('When England wishes to talk with me, she will learn my language').

 

He had five children, Leopolkbharles, Francois-Victor, Leopoldine and‘ Adele. All but the latter, who lost her reason, died during his lifetime. In 1843 his eldest daughter Leopoldine, aged nine¬teen, to whom he was devoted, was drowned in the Seine with her husband Charles Vacquerie, brother of Auguste Vacquerie, poet, journalist and author, who shared the Hugos' home.

Victor Hugo, whose father was a general, died in Paris on May 22nd, 1885, and was buried in the Pantheon. His wife, Adele, died on August 27th, 1868—she being about a year younger than he.

At the base of his statue in Candie Gardens, Guernsey, is the following inscription, part of the dedication of The Toilers of the Sea, his great novel written at Hauteville House.

`Au rocher d'hospitalite et de liberte ce coin de vieille tarre normande ou vit le noble petit peuple de la mer a l'ile Guernsey, severe et douce'.

 The Roches des Proscrits, a large rock not far from the Maison Victor Hugo Hotel, was, at that time, a meeting place for many exiles; living on the Island.

 His son, Francois-Victor, translated in masterly fashion, the entire works of Shakespeare into French. He also wrote La Normandie Inconnue (another way of saying the Channel Islands), in which he describes his own and his father's de-parture from Jersey .. .

 `It was the 31st of October, 1855. It was, six in the morning. In spite of light rain, fine and penetrating, my father wished to proceed on foot along the road which leads from Marine Terrace to the Victoria Pier where we were to embark. This road is certainly charming, it avoids the town, which is an advantage; it also skirts the coast, passes through a fisherman's hamlet called Havre des Pas and is lost to sight under the trees of a steep hill. And many memories of the road drew us towards it. My father chose it because he preferred it and because he felt grateful. I walked with him, an arm on his, and in the hand of the other I carried a small suit-case containing various items which would be needed on the journey. My mother, sister and brother and the tireless friend, whom I likewise call my brother, were to rejoin us two days later. Having lived for three years in Jersey, we were leaving it forever'.

 But it was not to be forever, for in 1860 he returned to the Island and, in support of Garibaldi, made an impressive speech before a huge crowd. Later, at a banquet, in reply to a toast, he praised the Island and its people, giving various reasons why he had become attached to them, 'We all like Jersey'.

 

Touch

One from the archive today, from 21 February 2005.

One of the striking things about feminist theology, such as that of Moltmann-Wendel, is the rediscovery of the way in which the taboos about touch and being unclean are broken, particularly in the gospel of Mark; they are notably toned down or removed in Matthew. This poem is a reflection of my reading on this subject.

Touch

The woman came, bleeding, touched
The hem of his robe, and he stopped
Asked of the crowd, who just did so
Fearful, she came, trembling, in woe
Lest she be punished, unclean woman

Yet he reached forth, with an abandon
Held her hands, eyes locked together
For a moment; gently, he now tells her
That her faith has cured her, reach out
Touch, and be healed, and never doubt
That none will be excluded, and hands
Reach even over death, promised lands
In which we will know, touch, embrace
Pure, living, personal, loving grace.

Legends of St Marculf and the Seas

St Marculf is associated in later legends with St Helier, although that only comes into the much later Life of Helier which dates from the 10th century, around 400 years after the time of St Helier, and has scant historical merit.

Legends of St Marculf and the Seas
By Philip Ahier

"While St. Marculf stayed in Jersey there was a devastating raid upon it by the Northmen, which produced dire terror upon the few inhabitants thereof. Owing to the absence of any semblance of resistance, the greater part of the population hid themselves in grottos and caves.

"The chroniclers (i.e. the writers of the lives of the Saints) related that one set of raiders consisted of no less than 3,000 men, but in all probability there were fewer. Be that as it may, St. Marculf prevented a party of Islanders from fleeing; mustering a little army, he put himself at their head; astonished at his insuperable valour, they followed him. His courage, and his energy gave them new life, and marching with them, he cheered them on to win a glorious victory against their oppressors.

" 'Arm yourselves, keep more closely together, stand firm, and Heaven will come to your aid,' said the intrepid monk to them. `Remember how Pharaoh's great army was engulfed in the Red Sea while pursuing the Israelites, then you will behold your redoubtable enemies, scattered and annihilated.' "

"Hurling themselves with all their strength upon the pirates, they routed and overthrew them, because, being taken unawares of an unforseen attack, the latter hurriedly betook themselves to their boats at the moment when, it is said, a furious tempest arose and burst upon them, scattered their ships, flung them upon the rocks and swamped them."

The above has been freely translated from Mr. J. Le Bas' account given in the "Almanach de la Chronique de Jersey" for 1888 (pp. 162-163). He says his authorities were G. Dupont and Mons. L'Abbe Le Canu. This legend also appears in the "Acta Sanctorum" compiled by the Bollandists, and in Pigeon's "Saints ,du Diocese de Coutances," quoted by the Rev. G. R. Balleine in his "Biographical Dictionary of Jersey." (pp. 638-644).

Mr. Le Bas seems to have combined all the possible versions into one compact whole. From Pigeon's "Saints" we learn that "the Lord of the Island when he heard of the great victory of the Islanders over the pirates, gave the Saint half of the Island and here he built a monastery, in which he placed monks to form a Household of God." (B.D.J., p.. 638).

Mr. Balleine comments on this legend as follows:—

"The Pirate story is practically the same as the one told of St. Magloire in Sark. He too encouraged the natives to resist. He too received from the Lord of the Island half the land as a gift. He too built there (in Sark) a monastery. The legends of the two saints with somewhat similar names, have clearly become entangled. So the whole incident (of the Pirates) may belong to Sark." (B.D.J., p. 639).

The Biography of St. Marculf is given by Mr. Balleine in B.D.J., pp. 643-646.

A second legend relates of St. Marculf, which I have not seen elsewhere, is given by Mr. Le Bas in the same "Almanach," (p. 163):—

"One day as St. Marculf was seated on the seashore, in deep meditation, a woman of ravishing beauty appeared to him as she, siren-like, leapt out of the sea-water; her long tresses fluttering at the whim of zephyrs, her clothes streaming with the ocean spray, her eyes sparkling and beaming with impassioned and seductive love. In a voice throbbing, plaintive, tender, and sorrow¬ful, she asked for aid.

"Said she to him tearfully: 'I am a poor shipwrecked woman, have compassion on my misfortune, the relentless sea has flung me upon your hospitable Island; grant me hospitality by giving me nourishment to appease my ravenous appetite and some water to quench my insatiable thirst.'

"Without saying a word, St. Marculf turned towards the entrance of his humble cottage and consecrating some bread with the Sign of the Cross, held it towards the pretended shipwrecked woman and said: 'If you are what you appear to be, take the bread which I have blessed in the name of Jesus Christ.'

"On hearing the Honoured Name, a transformation occurred in her figure; her features became hideous and livid, her form became converted into a phantom which vanished, while the Saint heard in the sea, a great noise as if a burning fire had been plunged therein."

“St. Marculf returned to the Monastery to celebrate Easter week and related the above story to his fellow-monks.”

Firestorm

The wild fires in Los Angeles were very much in my mind when I wrote this poem.

Firestorm

Flames lick, hungry tongues of fire
Burning trees, the forest is ablaze
Made easier as land grows drier
Smoking timbers message raise

Houses burn, wood cries in pain
And all it takes is just one spark
The endless sun, no sign of rain
Glowing embers leave a mark

Families flee, homes are lost
Their past has gone up in flame
Later count such dreadful cost
Climate change: we are to blame

The firestorm warns us: take care
Or Prometheus will bring fear

La Fontaine de Mirtre

La Fontaine de Mirtre
by Philip Ahier

Early Guide Book compilers dwelt upon the magical and medicinal properties of this Spring, which is also known as La Belle Hougue Spring and La Fontaine des Mittes.

The Spring itself is on the promontory of La Belle Hougue at the North of the parish of Trinity.

Two Guide Books of the Forties of the last century expatiated at considerable length upon it.

The anonymous compiler of "A Week's Visit to Jersey," compiled after 1844, wrote concerning La Fontaine de Mirtre (p. 162):—

"At the foot of Belle Hougue point, we are told by one authority, there is a miraculous spring, which has the power of loosening the tongue, nay, even of giving speech to the dumb, provided that the draught be taken before sunrise.

"It is a mineral spring, of a ferruginous quality, called 'La Fontaine de Mirtre,' to which some few resort; but being in a part little frequented, and at some distance from any house, it is not so much sought after as if it were placed in a more favourable situation, added to which it is but little known, except to those who reside in the neighbourhood

"Its waters are said to be also a beneficial for sore eyes. The whereabouts of this tongue-loosening spring, my dear sister, your not being with us, we did not take the pains to verify. In our case, its virtues would, of course, have been superflous."(!)

The above account of "La Fontaine de Mirtre" or "Fontaine des Mittes," appeared in many Guide Books after 1844, and, in 1856, our old friend, Mr. Octavius Rooke, in his "Channel Islands" (pp. 65) "dedicated the following legend" to it:—

"In ages gone by, when yet the world was young, two fairies dwelt there, together they lived, enjoying all that was glad and beauteous upon God's earth. There was then no sin to mar, no crime that could pollute earth, heaven, sea, air and sky; all sang the Almighty's praise; sweet sounds of music rolled from sphere to sphere, and bright glad spirits wandered where now man slaves to gain his daily bread by the hard labour of his toil-worn hands.

"Down mid the ever-blooming flowers, these fairies sat-Arna and Auirna were their names—together they had lived and loved for many an age, but now their state was soon to change, for they had passed the time allotted to them on earth, and soon their God would place them in a still higher sphere of joy.

"Together, hand in hand, they sat, and while they gazed, an angel's form swept down, and thus he spoke:-

" 'Arm and Aiurna, I come to take thee to a new bright home beyond the Stars, there wilt thou be nearer placed to the Almighty throne.'

"Joy flowed through all their veins, they raised their hymn of praise, aloft they rose, led by the angel, up to where their seats in heaven should be for ever fixed among the blest.

"But, ere they went, the recollection of their long loved ones came o'er them, and from each sinless eye, one pearly drop fell down, pure as themselves, . . . these tears were earthly, so to earth they fell. But springing from those who so immortal were, they could not die; so up again from earth they sprang, and the twin fountain flows for ever, fraught with twin blessings to mankind."

This, as can be suspected, is a fabricated or made-up legend; it in nowise bears any resemblance to the native types. It was "dedicated" as Mr. Rooke put it, to the guardian fairies of "La Fontaine des Mittes," at Trinity.

Its subsequent history is interesting; in spite of its being an "imported" legend, it was translated into French by Mr. J. Le Bas, and the French version appeared in the "Almanach of the Chronique de Jersey" for 1891. It was re-translated and adapted by Major L'Amy in 1927 in his "Jersey Folk Lore," (pp. 63-66).

The water from this spring is still used for bathing sore eyes. Chemical analysis has revealed that it contains a mixture of Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Chlorine besides small quantities of Sulphuric Acid and Carbonic Acid.

Memories

I really like this quote from Milan Kundera: "The brain appears to possess a special area which we might call poetic memory and which records everything that charms or touches us, that makes our lives beautiful." That inspired this poem.

Memories

Small times of joy, like crazy paving
Zig zag across the humdrum life
Times of happiness worth saving
In this world of fear and strife

Long summer holidays off school
Spaces and buckets on the beach
Fishing with nets in a rock pool
The past alive with strong reach

Joy of love, kissing, bed and hugs
Hand in hand, along country lane
Eating sandwiches on picnic rugs
Small memories, but so much gain

When dark futures seem tomorrow
Memories can help lighten sorrow

1965 - 60 years ago - January Part 2

1965 - 60 years ago - January Part 2

15.—A 34-year-old Scot with a long criminal record but who had once been in trouble for five years was sentenced to two months imprisonment and disqualification for three years by the Royal Court on charges of car " borrowing, he was Arthur Weatherall, alias Nell Rostron

18.—The week-end weather, gale force winds accompanied by terrific gusts and squalls of hail and sleet, brought more trouble to the Telephone Department with lines down ; both the Jersey and Guernsey life-boats were called out to the aid of a Liberian coaster in difficulties south of Sark and a Norwegian ship which later radioed that they were out of trouble.

19.—At a meeting at Trinity Parish Hall, Mr. J. Le S. Gallichan was elected unopposed as Deputy for the parish to finish the term of office of Mr. G, A. Vautier, deceased.

20.—This morning's high tide, combined with a near-record lieu barometric pressure, caused flooding at Beaumont and more coastal erosion at Le Bourg, a 25-yard sea wall being washed away.

22.—The motion " Parents with problem children have only them-selves to blame " carried by a substantial majority at Debating Club meeting at the Pomme d'Or Hotel.

23.—.During the night about £200 in cash and cheques were stolen from the safe at R. Le Bail and Co. Ltd., in Grenville Street.—The Bailiff opens Channel Islands & Aero Club's new premises on the Airport Road..

25,--Scottish Society of Jersey celebrate annual Burns' Night dinner at Hotel de France.

26.—At the annual general meeting of the Jersey Eisteddfod it was announced that for the first time in ten years a profit had been math amounting to £320.

27.—Before the Full Court a fine of £100 or three months' imprisonment was imposed on Brian Henry de la Mare for assault, the Assize case concerning accused having been adjourned for sentence, also before the Court was Edward Ernest Rampton, who was jailed for nine months and £75 costs awarded against him for indecent assault, this case also having been adjourned for sentence by the Assize Court. " Killer " dogs active in Trinity, where on Monday six hens were slaughtered at Coutanche Farm, and at two farms last night where 13 rabbits were killed.

28—Island service in memory of Sir Winston Churchill held at St Helier's Parish Church, His Excellency the Lt.-Governor, the Bailiff, Jurats. Crown Officers and States members leading the procession to the church.

29.—A Muirhead tractor-dumper valued at £7,000 badly damaged when it went out of control and crashed over the breakwater at the new power station site at La Collette this afternoon.

30.—Break-In during the night at Carter's, newsagents in Colomberie: confectionary, cigarettes, lighters and other items valued at £40 being taken.

31.—Memorial and thanksgiving services for the life and. work of Sir Winston Churchill held in Churches of all denominations through-out the Island. The rainfall for this month, 6.41 ins., was three inches above the average.

The New Face of Janus

As we start the new year, I see a darkening world ahead - America, the great democracy, poised on the brink of dictatorship, war in Ukraine, or a bad peace. The deaths in Gaza continuing to rise. The rise of the far right across Europe and even in Britain. And over it all, the existential threat of climate change. So this is a sombre, melancholy poem to reflect that mood. There's a slight note of optimism. Originally the final verse of each stanza was a rather pessimistic statement, but I changed it to a question in each case..

The New Face of Janus

It is the turning of the year
The old time passed away
Now comes a dawn of fear
Has Democracy had its day?

It is the turning of the year
Poised between light and dark
Danger present, ever near
Will the future be so very stark?

It is the turning of the year
Dark times are hard to cope
Threaten all we hold so dear
And where will we find hope?

Janus turns a dark face this way
And all we can do is hope and pray

1965 - 60 years ago - January Part 1

1965 - 60 years ago - January Part 1

1—Jour de l'An reception held at the Pomme d'Or, given by the French Consul, M. Alain Radenac. Jersey Drag Hunt and Chase Club hold annual races at Grosnez.

2—At the Royal Court today the Bailiff unveiled a portrait of the late Bailiff, Mr. C. S. Harrison. C.M.G., O.B.E., painted by the late Sir James Arran and which was the gift of the Harrison family.

3.—Two men who pleaded guilty to stealing postal packets from a mailbag on a postman’s bicycle at Springrove, St. Lawrence, Ronald Sutton and Terence Jennings, were jailed for six and nine months respective by the Royal Court—Verdict of accidental death recorded at inquest held on the body of Mr. Thomas McCarthy, found gassed in his home at 9 Savile Street.

4—A fine of £20 was substituted for a month's prison sentence on Stanley Philip Reynolds at the Royal Court today when he appealed against the sentence, which was imposed at the Police Court regarding the larceny of a motor tyre.

5.—ln the early hours of this morning fire gutted a two-storey building used as a loft and stables at Beauverd, St. John; a. timely warning to be alert. A passing policeman enabled the cattle to be released from the building.-

6.—The motion “That one Jerseyman is worth two Englishmen " was carried by 65 votes to 48 at Debating Club meeting.

9.—Verdict of accidental death recorded in the case of Miss E. B. Le Liévre, who was knocked down by a car on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve and subsequently died from her injuries. January Assizes: the first case to come before the Court was that of Edward Ernest Rampton (43), who pleaded not guilty to indecently assaulting a 13-year-old in Woolworth's on October 24th, the case being adjourned. At the end of last year a record number of 30,530 vehicles of all types, including cars and hire cars, were licensed for the Island’s roads.

10..—Continuation of the indecent assault case before the Assizes, the hearing being further adjourned.

12—Assizes: Edward Ernest Rampton was found guilty of indecent assault and was remanded in custody for a psychiatric report to be prepared. The second and final case, that of 26-year-old Jersey-born Henry de la Mare, charged with having assaulted Mr. A. Raine at Cathay Chinese Restaurant on October 31st last year, then commenced, the hearing being adjourned. .

14.—Assizes .- Brian Henry de la Mare was found guilty of assault with mitigating circumstances and a remand was ordered for a psychiatric report to be prepared. A case which was originally listed for the Assizes but was remitted to the Full Court owing to a. change of plea to guilty was that of Graham Edward Wynn and John McMarm, charged with maliciously setting fire to a load of hay and with assault; Wynn sentenced to two months' imprisonment and McMann to three months.