RochefortThe socialist journalist Rochefort's tumultuous life was marked by a series of duels and prison sentences. On the occasion of one of his many arrests, he was confronted by authorities with evidence of his links to various international revolutionaries:
"In one of your drawers," an interrogator noted, "were found two photographs of Giuseppe Garibaldi and Giuseppe Mazzini with their autographs." "That is true," Rochefort replied, "for those two great patriots did send me their photos."
"But that is not all," the man continued, "for there were also seized several pictures of Henri Rochefort." "But I am Henri Rochefort!" Rochefort exclaimed, understandably baffled. "I am not denying that," the interrogator replied, "but it is nonetheless significant that you should have so many portraits of that notorious socialist in your house."
[Mazzini spurred the movement for an independent, unified Italy with his political activities and polemics. His dream was realized when Garibaldi led 1,000 volunteers in the capture of Sicily and Naples in 1860 (leading to the formation of the kingdom of Italy in 1861).]
Rochefort, Victor Henri, Marquis de Rochefort-LuCay (1830-1913) French journalist, leader of the anti-Dreyfusards [noted for his tumultuous life, marked by a series of duels and prison sentences]
[Sources: C. Shriner, Wit, Wisdom and Foibles of the Great]More Victor Rochefort anecdotesRelated Anecdote Keywords:
Political Activism Interrogations Mistaken Identity Absurdity Arrests Police Socialism Irony European History 19th Century Pictures Accusations
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