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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #62449 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62449)
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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Maximilian in Mexico, by J. Kemper
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
-almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license
-
-
-Title: Maximilian in Mexico
- Life Stories for Young People
-
-Author: J. Kemper
-
-Editor: George P. Upton
-
-Release Date: June 22, 2020 [EBook #62449]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAXIMILIAN IN MEXICO ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by D A Alexander, Stephen Hutcheson, and the
-Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
-(This file was produced from images generously made
-available by The Internet Archive)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- [Illustration: _EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN_]
-
- _Life Stories for Young People_
-
-
-
-
- Maximilian in Mexico
-
-
- _Translated from the German of
- J. Kemper_
-
- BY
- GEORGE P. UPTON
- _Translator of “Memories,” “Immensee,” etc._
-
- WITH THREE ILLUSTRATIONS
-
- [Illustration: A. C. McCLURG & CO.]
-
- CHICAGO
- A. C. McCLURG & CO.
- 1911
-
- Copyright
- A. C. McClurg & Co.
- 1911
- Published September, 1911
-
- THE · PLIMPTON · PRESS
- [W·D·O]
- NORWOOD · MASS · U·S·A
-
-
-
-
- Translator’s Preface
-
-
-The life story of Maximilian First in Mexico is one of the saddest of
-tragedies. Admitting that he was in some respects a weak sovereign and
-incompetent for the task he undertook, the tragedy is none the less sad.
-The dreadful fate which overtook the Empress Carlotta only adds to the
-gloom of the situation, and, if all reports are true, serves to
-emphasize Mexican cruelty and treachery, for in official circles it is
-generally believed she was made insane by a poisonous herb secretly
-mixed with her drink. Maximilian himself was a gentleman in the best
-sense of the term, gentle, courteous, refined, and scholarly; unfitted
-for the position he held, inexperienced in political matters, and
-ignorant how to contend with guile and treachery of the basest kind. He
-was virtually forced to ascend the Mexican throne, and consented only
-when he was assured that the Mexican people had enthusiastically elected
-him. Once there, he found himself the victim of treacherous plots and
-deadly hatred. He had but few friends upon whom he could rely, and they
-were unable to aid him in the hour of greatest danger. Louis Napoleon,
-who was chiefly instrumental in sending him there, violated his
-agreements, withdrew the French troops from Mexico, and abandoned him as
-a prey to his vindictive enemies, at whose hands he died like a
-gentleman and a hero, leaving the Empress to suffer the tortures of
-living death in a European asylum. History recalls few sadder tragedies
-than the one contained in the story of Maximilian’s three years in
-Mexico.
-
- G. P. U.
-
-Chicago, _May, 1911_
-
-
-
-
- Contents
-
-
- Chapter Page
- I Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian 11
- II The Mexican Empire 15
- III Arrival of the Emperor in Mexico 24
- IV Maximilian’s First Measures 28
- V Church Affairs in Mexico 37
- VI Enemies Within and Without 40
- VII Bazaine’s Position in Mexico 44
- VIII Fruits of the New Government 48
- IX Louis Napoleon’s Attitude 52
- X The Empress’ Journey to Europe 56
- XI Events in Mexico After the Departure of the Empress 62
- XII The Emperor at Orizaba 73
- XIII Departure of the French 79
- XIV The Siege of Querétaro 86
- XV Downfall of the Mexican Empire 99
- XVI The Emperor’s Imprisonment 113
- XVII Death of Maximilian and His Generals 124
- XVIII Conclusion 129
- Appendix 133
-
-
-
-
- Illustrations
-
-
- Page
- Emperor Maximilian _Frontispiece_
- Empress Carlotta 56
- Last Moments of Emperor Maximilian 124
-
-
-
-
- Maximilian in Mexico
-
-
-
-
- Chapter I
- Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian
-
-
-Ferdinand Maximilian, born at Schönbrunn on the sixth of July, 1832, was
-the second son of Archduke Charles of Austria and the Archduchess Sophie
-of Bavaria, a clever and highly cultivated princess, under whose
-personal supervision the young Archduke received a careful and thorough
-education, in which Count Bombelles, whose son afterward accompanied
-Maximilian to Mexico, also had an important share.
-
-From early childhood the prince showed that marked love of nature, and
-especially of the sea, which was so characteristic of his later years
-and which made his education for the navy—his destined career—an easy
-and pleasant task. To this chosen profession, indeed, he applied himself
-with such zeal and devotion that he may be regarded as the real founder
-of the Austrian navy.
-
-His leisure hours were devoted to the study of the fine arts and to the
-practice of all sorts of athletic pursuits, in which he excelled, being
-tall and well built, and quick and elastic in all his motions.
-
-In 1850, upon the completion of his scientific studies, he made his
-first long cruise, to Greece and Smyrna, followed by voyages to Spain,
-Portugal, and Algiers. In 1853 he was made captain of a corvette, and a
-year later received the appointment of commander-in-chief of the navy,
-soon after which, escorted by a squadron of seventeen warships, he
-visited Greece, Crete, Egypt, and Palestine.
-
-The years 1856-57 were spent chiefly in European travel, during which
-time the Archduke made the acquaintance of his future wife, the Princess
-Carlotta, daughter of King Leopold Second of Belgium, to whom he was
-married in 1857 and who proved so loyal and devoted a companion in joy
-and sorrow until overtaken by the tragic fate of which we shall hear
-later. Soon after his marriage, Maximilian, then only in his
-twenty-fifth year, was made governor-general of the Lombardo-Venetian
-kingdom by his brother, the Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria—an office
-which he held for two years, and which served in some measure as a
-preparation for his subsequent mission in Mexico for, as
-governor-general, he had many difficulties to contend with, even though
-they were of quite a different nature from those that afterward
-confronted him in America.
-
-The war that broke out in 1859 between Italy and Austria put an end to
-Maximilian’s political career and he retired to the seclusion of
-Miramar, the beautiful palace erected at Trieste some years before. Here
-he lived quietly and peacefully, occupied with his favorite literary and
-artistic pursuits, and it was here that he wrote the “Sketches of
-Travel,” afterward published; also the “Aphorisms,” which speak the
-thoughts and aspirations of a great soul.
-
-Maximilian has been called weak and irresolute, and in fact he did prove
-hopelessly unequal to the task that was set for him in Mexico—a task far
-less suited to his gentle, kindly nature than to the bolder character of
-his rival, Juarez, a man of quite another stamp, who hesitated at no
-means to attain his ends and for whom the high-minded Hapsburger was no
-match. That Maximilian made many grave errors cannot be denied, but his
-entire administration should not be condemned for that reason. It is
-certain that he was inspired by the noblest aims and intentions, and had
-the Mexicans but realized this and given him their loyal support his
-plans might have been realized and ensured both the country’s welfare
-and his own.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter II
- The Mexican Empire
-
-
-During the Archduke’s travels, in 1856, he had visited Paris and spent
-twelve days at St. Cloud with Napoleon Third and Eugénie. He became much
-interested in the Emperor’s ambitious schemes, while Napoleon and his
-wife on their part were so pleased with Maximilian’s frank and manly
-character that by the time he took his departure the French sovereigns
-had already made plans for the future of their guest, the situation in
-Mexico offering a favorable opportunity.
-
-The better class of Mexicans were anxious for a strong hand to assume
-the reins of government and restore order to that distracted and
-wellnigh ruined land, and as Napoleon Third was then in control of
-affairs there, it was an easy matter for him to arouse the interest of
-the Mexicans in the young Archduke as their prospective ruler. The
-throne of Mexico therefore was duly offered to Maximilian, but he was at
-first unwilling to accept it. Fully acquainted with the disordered state
-of that country, there was little temptation for him to exchange the
-peaceful seclusion of Miramar for so doubtful a gift. Negotiations were
-carried on for eight months between Paris and Miramar before the
-Archduke would consent to accept the crown. At length, however, he
-agreed on condition that both France and England would guarantee their
-support in this enterprise. Further delays were caused by discussions
-between France, Spain, and England, but not until England and Spain had
-finally yielded and withdrawn all their troops from Mexico did Napoleon
-fully realize the complications of the situation there.
-
-Meanwhile Maximilian at Miramar became devoted to the idea of being
-Emperor of Mexico, being principally actuated by the fact that his wife
-would be an Empress. Both applied themselves closely to the study not
-only of the geography but of the language and customs of the country,
-actively corresponding at the same time with those who might be able to
-exert an influence upon the destinies of Mexico.
-
-The first public negotiations were conducted in person by Napoleon Third
-and the Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria, the latter of whom sent his
-minister, Count Rechberg, to Miramar to discuss the matter with his
-brother Maximilian. Both the Archduke and his wife attached great weight
-to the opinion of her father, King Leopold, who was well known as a
-shrewd and clear-headed thinker. He pointed out plainly the dangers and
-difficulties attendant on assuming the sovereignty of Mexico, but did
-not regard them as insurmountable, and his advice decided the question.
-Maximilian announced himself ready to accept the throne on certain
-conditions, the chief of which was that his choice as Emperor should be
-confirmed by a vote of the Mexican people.
-
-On the third of October, 1863, an embassy from Mexico arrived at Miramar
-with a formal offer of the crown. It was headed by Don Gutierrez de
-Estrada, who had labored for twenty years to restore a monarchy in
-Mexico. Maximilian’s reply was as follows:
-
-“I am deeply moved by the wishes of the Mexican assembly. It is most
-flattering to our house that their choice should have fallen on a
-descendant of Charles the Fifth. Yet noble and lofty a mission as it is
-to establish the welfare and independence of Mexico, I agree with the
-Emperor Napoleon that the monarchy can be restored on a firm and stable
-basis only by the free consent of the people. My acceptance must
-therefore be conditional on that. On the other hand, it shall be my duty
-to secure the guarantees necessary to protect Mexico against the dangers
-that menace her honor and her liberties. If I succeed in this and the
-vote of the people be in my favor, then I shall be ready, with the
-consent of my imperial brother, to accept the crown. Should Providence
-call me to this high mission, it is my firm intention, after the
-pacification of the country, to open the way for progress by granting a
-constitution and to make this fundamental law permanent by an oath. Only
-in this way can a new and truly national policy be created, by means of
-which all parties, forgetting their differences, may work with me to
-lift Mexico to an eminent place among the nations. Bring me this
-declaration, then, on the part of your fellow-citizens and, if possible,
-ascertain what form of government they desire.”
-
-This was a frank and manly answer, and no doubt the emissaries of the
-Mexican people who carried it back across the Atlantic were equally
-honorable in their intentions. How the vote was really obtained,
-however, is told us by Montlong:
-
-At Monterey the French general, Jeanningres, summoned the most
-influential citizens and addressed them thus: “The Emperor of the
-French, always solicitous for the welfare of this unhappy country, has
-determined to transform the Mexican republic into a great and prosperous
-empire, and in the interests of this undertaking has chosen for your
-Emperor one of the most liberal and enlightened princes in Europe, the
-Archduke Maximilian of Austria. But as Napoleon wishes him to be elected
-by general consent of the people I have summoned you here in order to
-receive your votes.” Then with a threatening glance he added: “You
-accept, do you not, gentlemen, the prince chosen for you by the Emperor
-Napoleon?”
-
-Intimidated by the General’s manner and the ranks of soldiery behind
-him, all replied in the affirmative, whereupon Jeanningres, addressing
-the general staff officer who was to record the votes, ordered him:
-“Write, sir, that this city votes unanimously for the Empire, and permit
-these gentlemen to sign it.”
-
-The same method of procedure was enacted in every town. When the
-principal citizens of Potosi refused to sign a similar document, the
-officer in command caused them all to be imprisoned for thirty-six hours
-till hunger forced them to yield. Thus by fraud the Empire was founded,
-as by treachery it fell, both marked characteristics of this nation as
-we shall see later.
-
-The way now seemed clear, but at the last moment an unforeseen
-difficulty arose. While the Archduke was making a round of farewell
-visits at various European courts, it was decided at Vienna to demand a
-renunciation of all rights of succession to the throne of Austria on the
-part of Maximilian and his possible descendants. Emperor Francis Joseph
-strongly opposed this, justly maintaining that if such a step were
-considered necessary, it should not have been deferred till the last
-moment, but Count Rechberg and Baron Lichtenfels were firm. The former
-undertook to lay the matter before the Archduke on his return, but was
-so coldly received that he abandoned any further attempt, while
-Maximilian himself declared that had this point been presented to him
-earlier, negotiations with Mexico would have been broken off at once.
-This, of course, was now out of the question, and after much discussion
-he finally agreed to sign the act of renunciation, thus removing the
-last obstacle.
-
-On the tenth of April, 1864, a second embassy, consisting of twenty
-distinguished Mexicans, again headed by Estrada, arrived at Miramar to
-perform the coronation ceremony. In his address, spoken in French, Don
-Gutierrez alluded, first of all, to the gratifying result of the popular
-vote. As to the method by which it had been secured the good man
-probably had as little knowledge as Maximilian himself. He then recalled
-France’s service to his native country, whose future prosperity he hoped
-would be assured under the new monarchy. Mexico gratefully acknowledged
-the Archduke’s self-sacrifice in accepting this difficult position and
-was ready to hail with joy her chosen sovereign, whose motto was,
-_Justitia regnorum fundamentum_.
-
-Maximilian’s reply was in Spanish. He declared that since the two
-conditions required by him had been fulfilled, he was now able to redeem
-the promise given six months before and was ready to accept the offered
-crown. The oath was then administered. Maximilian swore to guard the
-liberties of the Mexican nation under all circumstances and to do all in
-his power for the welfare and prosperity of the people, after which
-Estrada swore allegiance in the name of Mexico and was decorated by his
-sovereign with the grand cross of the newly revived Guadeloupe order. A
-triple “Viva” followed to the new Emperor and Empress in whose honor the
-imperial Mexican flag was hoisted on the tower of Miramar, amidst salvos
-from batteries and battle ships. A solemn Te Deum in the palace chapel
-concluded the ceremonies.
-
-On the same day the Emperor signed the important convention with
-Napoleon, known as the Treaty of Miramar, whereby it was agreed to
-reduce the French troops as soon as possible to 25,000, including the
-foreign legion. This body should evacuate the country as soon as forces
-could be organized to take their place, yet the foreign legion of 8000
-was to remain, if required, for six years after the above withdrawal and
-be supported from this time by the Mexican government. The transport
-service for French military supplies must be paid by the same government
-with 400,000 francs for the round trip, likewise the cost of the French
-expedition, fixed at 270,000,000 francs for the whole time, till July 1,
-1864, with interest at three per cent per annum. After this date the
-expenses of the Mexican army rested with Mexico, which had also to give
-1000 francs for the maintenance of each French soldier, pay included.
-Against these sums the Mexican government had to pay at once 66,000,000
-francs in bonds of the late loan and 25,000,000 francs in specie
-annually. A mixed commission of three Frenchmen and three Mexicans was
-to meet at Mexico within three months to adjust the claims of French
-citizens. All Mexican prisoners of war held by the French were to be
-released as soon as Maximilian entered his States. In addition to this,
-there were three secret clauses, by utilizing which France afterward,
-and not without some show of reason, attempted to extricate herself from
-her dangerous position.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter III
- Arrival of the Emperor in Mexico
-
-
-On the tenth of April, 1864, the die was cast for Archduke Maximilian
-and Carlotta. On the fourteenth, the day set for departure, all was
-bustle and confusion at Miramar, usually so peaceful. The harbor of
-Trieste was filled with vessels, large and small, and, anchored at some
-distance from shore, lay the _Novara_, the Austrian warship that was to
-convey the imperial pair to Mexico. Little did any one then suspect that
-this same vessel was so soon to bring back the body of Maximilian,
-cruelly murdered by Mexican rebels! To-day all was joyous anticipation.
-A gayly decorated barge carried the Emperor and Empress out to the
-_Novara_. Showers of blossoms were flung after them as they left the
-shore, lined with thousands of spectators, and floated gently out upon
-the blue waves of the Adriatic. Cannon thundered a farewell. Maximilian
-looked for the last time upon his native shores.
-
-Two nights later the travellers rounded the southernmost point of Italy,
-and on the eighteenth reached Civita Vecchia where they landed and were
-met by the French and Italian ambassadors, envoys from Belgium and
-Austria, and the Cardinals sent by Pope Pius Ninth to welcome
-Maximilian. A special train was waiting to convey the entire party to
-Rome where, on the nineteenth of April, the Emperor had an audience with
-the Pope. Church affairs in Mexico had been completely demoralized by
-Juarez, and one of the Emperor’s chief tasks was to restore order and
-provide for the religious needs of his people. The following day Pope
-Pius Ninth returned the visit at the Palazzo Marescotti, after which the
-imperial party returned to Civita Vecchia, where they again boarded the
-_Novara_ and resumed their voyage. At Gibraltar another stop of two days
-was made, and on the twenty-eighth of May the _Novara_ anchored before
-the city of Vera Cruz. The goal was reached—but what of Maximilian’s
-reception by the people of Mexico who had chosen him as their sovereign
-by a unanimous vote?
-
-Although the French frigate _Themis_, which escorted the _Novara_ across
-the Atlantic, had hastened on in advance to notify the city of the
-Emperor’s arrival, there was no commotion in the harbor. No flags were
-flying, no guns roared a welcome, no one was waiting to receive him. A
-feeling of uneasiness pervaded the Emperor’s household, but Maximilian
-himself made no comment. After a long delay the commander-in-chief of
-the French fleet, Rear-admiral Bosse, and his adjutant finally made
-their appearance, though even then, according to the Countess Kollowitz,
-their greeting was none too warm. Quite different, however, was the
-Emperor’s reception in the towns between Vera Cruz and Mexico; his
-journey to the capital was like a triumphal progress.
-
-Thus did Maximilian enter the land that was henceforth to claim his
-whole attention and best endeavor. For this indifferent and ungrateful
-people he had undertaken the Herculean task of regenerating a country
-wasted by forty years of civil warfare; regulating a society demoralized
-by anarchy; restoring national prosperity; reviving industries; and
-reconciling to law and order a people to whom outlawry and robbery had
-become second nature. The army must be reorganized, the land rid of
-marauders, contending factions appeased and made to work together for
-the common good. The Church must be placed once more on a settled basis,
-new channels of trade established, and the whole national standard of
-civilization raised. These were surely problems to daunt the bravest!
-Well may Maximilian have hesitated long before accepting such
-responsibilities, yet with heroic self-sacrifice the young Emperor set
-himself to this stupendous work. That he failed was no doubt due partly
-to his unfitness for the task, but more to the insuperable obstacles
-that loomed before and finally crushed the noble Hapsburger.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter IV
- Maximilian’s First Measures
-
-
-One of the first necessities that confronted Maximilian in the execution
-of his mission was the establishment of diplomatic relations with the
-world. The courts of Vienna, Rome, Paris, and Brussels had been informed
-at once of his acceptance of the throne of Mexico. It now remained to
-notify the remaining powers of this event. A decree was issued on the
-twenty-first of June, 1864, empowering the foreign office to make the
-necessary arrangements. By the end of the year Mexico had been
-recognized as an Empire by Russia, Sweden, Turkey, Denmark, Portugal,
-Spain, Italy, France, and England, also by the German Confederation and
-the Shah of Persia. Far more valuable to the new monarchy would have
-been its recognition by the United States, but the White House at
-Washington still looked upon Juarez as President of Mexico, as did its
-smaller and less important neighbors on the south, the republics of
-Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, San Salvador, and Costa Rica. Thus the
-Empire was surrounded by hostile countries, while its only ally in
-America, the Emperor Don Pedro Second of Brazil, could be of little use.
-
-Maximilian appointed the advocate Don José Ramirez as minister of
-foreign affairs—a man concerning whom opinion is divided. There can be
-no question, however, as to his ability and his loyalty to Maximilian,
-to whom he proved a valuable counsellor, although the Emperor
-unfortunately did not always follow his advice. Maximilian took no
-further action in governmental affairs until he had gained a more
-intimate knowledge of the country. Though well versed in the language
-and history of Mexico as well as its political complications, he
-discovered at once the necessity of a personal acquaintance with the
-various portions of his new realm and determined to make a tour of those
-provinces loyal to him. Meanwhile he devoted himself to learning the
-needs of his people. With this object in view he spent much time walking
-about the streets of the capital or visiting various public and
-charitable institutions. The Empress was her husband’s constant
-companion, sharing all his cares and interests, and although Maximilian
-did not always agree with her opinions, her clever pen, her quick wit,
-and cultivated mind often proved of great help to him.
-
-He soon discovered many evils the existence of which he had not
-suspected. The Mexican is profuse in promises which are never kept, and
-Maximilian had daily proof of this national characteristic. In spite of
-his personal charm and kindness the French officers kept jealously aloof
-from him, regarding themselves as slighted in the distribution of
-orders. The clergy, disappointed that the Church property confiscated by
-Juarez had not been immediately restored to them, were dissatisfied with
-the new government, while the republicans under Juarez refused, of
-course, to acknowledge the Empire.
-
-The accusation made by these malcontents that Maximilian did not attempt
-to improve conditions was entirely unjustified, however. Few that
-followed his career realized how diligently and self-sacrificingly he
-labored for that end. That the restoration of order must be gradually
-accomplished was self-evident. Realizing that drastic measures were
-necessary at many points in the affairs of state, he was forced to take
-time for observation and investigation before attempting any change.
-Many evils had to be endured temporarily before any radical changes
-could be made, and he had also to consult the opinions of his advisers,
-whether in accordance with his own or not.
-
-His first attention was devoted to the regulation of military and
-financial matters. A commission, headed by General Bazaine,
-commander-in-chief of the French troops, was appointed to meet on the
-fourteenth of July to consider the reorganization of the army. The
-relations between Maximilian and this officer had been none too friendly
-from the first. Bazaine considered himself his own master and troubled
-himself little as to the Emperor’s views. In justice to Napoleon Third,
-however, it must be said that he seems to have been very imperfectly
-informed as to the actions and practices of his generals in Mexico. All
-correspondence with France had to pass through the hands of Bazaine or
-his subordinates, who could easily color reports to suit themselves. On
-the fifteenth of July a commission, presided over by Velasquez de Leon,
-and consisting of landed proprietors, merchants, manufacturers, and mine
-owners, met to discuss the regulation of financial affairs.
-
-From the first Maximilian exerted himself to do away with antiquated
-customs, and as early as the sixteenth of July a decree was issued
-requiring all officers of justice to be at their posts from nine to
-twelve in the morning and shortening their annual leave of absence from
-three months to six weeks, an innovation that met with small favor from
-the Mexicans, as may be imagined.
-
-On the tenth of August the Emperor set out upon his tour into the
-interior, the government during his absence being left in charge of the
-Empress. He was accompanied by his life-long friend, Count Bombelles,
-his secretary, Iglesias, Privy Councillor Scherzenlechner, and the Lord
-Chamberlain Felipe Raygosa. Originally planned for four weeks, the
-journey extended over three months. A proclamation had been issued by
-Velasquez de Leon, shortly before the Emperor’s departure, announcing
-his tour and forbidding any state receptions or entertainments in order
-to spare expense to the people, impoverished by years of civil strife.
-In spite of this prohibition, however, magnificent triumphal arches were
-erected in many places in honor of the Emperor, who was welcomed with
-great enthusiasm by the populace, the Indians, in particular, gathering
-in crowds everywhere to gaze at their new sovereign.
-
-On the seventeenth of August Maximilian arrived at Querétaro where he
-was received with great enthusiasm and remained for several days, being
-royally entertained. Little did any of those who joined in the
-festivities suspect that in this very town, only three years later, the
-Emperor was to lay down his life for Mexico! From there he went on to
-Celaya which was reached a week later. In many places through which they
-passed evidences were visible of the effects of the famine that existed
-in the interior of the country, and where the suffering was greatest
-Maximilian distributed considerable sums of money from his own purse. At
-Trapuato the Emperor was suddenly seized with an attack of quinsy which
-confined him to his bed for two weeks. This delay, together with other
-unforeseen occurrences in the capital, obliged him to abandon the rest
-of his journey, and the party returned to Mexico, though by a different
-route, arriving on the thirtieth of October.
-
-This tour of Maximilian’s had proved a continuous ovation, but how much
-of the popular enthusiasm was due to his personality rather than to
-allegiance to him as a sovereign is a question. He had shown himself
-everywhere most gracious and kindly, granting audiences to persons of
-all classes with a fearlessness which, considering the state of the
-country, must have commanded the respect even of his enemies. Whether he
-allowed himself to be deceived by these demonstrations is uncertain. At
-all events he returned well content with the results of his journey and
-full of hope for the future. That many of the great changes planned by
-him for the benefit of the people were never put into execution was not
-altogether his fault. To carry out any thorough system of reform large
-sums of money are needed, and the treasury was exhausted.
-
-Maximilian’s first act after his return was to form a ministry. During
-his travels he had met many able and patriotic Mexicans who, he fancied,
-would be of great assistance to him in his projected reforms, and from
-these he chose his ministers exclusively, though doubtless well aware
-that in some cases the positions would have been better filled by
-Austrians, Belgians, or Frenchmen. When reminded of this by his friends,
-however, he would say, “Have patience! When the country learns that
-Mexican ministers are good-for-nothing, I may be justified in appointing
-others, and my people can then have nothing to reproach me with.” This
-was no doubt wise on the Emperor’s part. The appointment of foreigners
-would have excited suspicion if not rebellion at once among the
-excitable and distrustful Mexicans.
-
-On his tour Maximilian had discovered that the country’s most pressing
-need was the revival of commerce. New channels of trade must be created,
-and for this purpose the laying out of highways and the building of
-bridges was ordered. Robles, minister of public works, was commissioned
-to build a railroad between Querétaro and Guanajuato, an undertaking
-which was never carried out, however. A railroad from Mexico to Vera
-Cruz was also planned, the execution of which was entrusted to an
-English company, and three different companies received permission to
-run steamship lines between the more important seaports of the country.
-To exterminate the robber bands and secure safety for the life and
-property of the people, a much needed system of militia was instituted
-on the seventh of November, 1864. At the same time the Emperor urged
-most strictly upon all magistrates of the various provinces the
-following injunctions: preservation of law and order, firm
-administration of justice, supervision of the press, construction and
-maintenance of roads, extermination of marauders and outlaws,
-sanitation, improvements in agriculture and the breeding of cattle,
-conservation of forests, etc.
-
-All this proves the loftiness of Maximilian’s aims—nor were his hands
-idle as some of his enemies maliciously maintained. Could he but have
-had the necessary support and coöperation, conditions in that
-unfortunate country must soon have improved. But with only the fickle
-and treacherous Mexicans to depend upon, all these reforms were of brief
-duration—a mere ripple on the stream.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter V
- Church Affairs in Mexico
-
-
-The most difficult problem now awaiting solution was the religious
-situation in Mexico. Forty years of internal strife and anarchy had
-inevitably lowered the standards of the people and weakened their sense
-of right and wrong, as was proved by Juarez’s treatment of Church
-property. The claim of the enemies of the Catholic Church, however, that
-the priesthood was responsible for this moral degradation, is entirely
-without foundation. All reports agree that the priests were then, as
-now, the friends and guardians of the Indians. Many of the stanchest
-supporters of Mexican independence—among them Hidalgo, Morelos, and
-Guerrero—belonged to the clerical party, and even at the present day a
-large part of the minor clergy are Indians.
-
-Accounts vary as to the value of the Church’s property in Mexico at that
-time, but it is a matter of little importance, since it had been seized
-and disposed of by Juarez and his followers long before Maximilian’s
-arrival. Indeed, this had been one of the chief causes for the latter’s
-hesitation in accepting the throne.
-
-The only possible method of dealing with this knotty question seemed to
-be that of direct negotiation with the papal chair, and a special envoy
-was sent to Mexico by Pope Pius Ninth for this purpose. The nuncio,
-Monsignore Meglia, was received by Maximilian with every mark of honor
-and escorted in state to the capital where a round of festivities
-ensued, after which the Emperor and his guest devoted themselves to the
-matter in hand. Nine points were submitted by Maximilian and his
-ministers for debate, the chief of which may be briefly stated as
-follows: Free observance of all religions in Mexico, in so far as they
-did not violate the laws of the country; all expenses of Catholic
-worship to be borne by the State; no taxes nor gratuities of any kind to
-be paid to the clergy by the people; cession by the Church of all
-possessions declared to be national property; enjoyment by the Emperor
-of all rights possessed by his predecessors, the Kings of Spain, in
-Mexico; a mutual agreement to exist between the Pope and the Emperor to
-resist aggression on the part of any or all religious orders in Mexico;
-existing communities to remain on condition that no more novices be
-received until conditions were settled.
-
-The delicate nature of these matters may readily be perceived as well as
-the difficulty of their settlement. Negotiations, in fact, were soon
-broken off and an uncomfortable open rupture occurred between the
-Emperor’s ministers and Monsignore Meglia, who left the capital with his
-suite on the twenty-seventh of May, and returned to Rome without having
-accomplished his mission.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter VI
- Enemies Within and Without
-
-
-Maximilian’s failure to settle this question, so important to Mexico,
-not only was of the greatest detriment to the restoration of peace and
-order, but also lost him the sympathies of the clerical party, already
-averse to the new sovereignty.
-
-The unsettled condition of the country has been already alluded to. It
-is impossible for peaceful industries to flourish where the lives and
-property of citizens are in constant danger. The path of outlawry and
-anarchy is marked only by mouldering corpses and smoking ruins. Some
-idea of the state of things may be obtained from a report sent by the
-prefect of Zamora to his chief, Antonio Moral, on the ninth of March,
-1865:
-
-“This prefecture has learned through spies and other sources of
-information that the robber chiefs Regules, Salazar, Egiulus, and others
-are assembling their bands in large numbers for attack. Should the
-troops stationed at Mazamitla and Uruapan be withdrawn, the bandits will
-capture this town without a doubt, an event which would be followed by
-the most serious consequences. I must add that all towns in the south of
-this department are in the same danger, and earnestly implore aid.
-Pazcuaro is menaced by more than 1400 outlaws. Unless General Neigre,
-who has been informed of the danger, speedily sends assistance, it will
-fall into their hands and a terrible catastrophe be precipitated.”
-
-On the tenth of May, 1865, the Mexican commander-in-chief, Vicente
-Rosas, writes to the minister of war:
-
-“Matters are bad and grow worse daily. Besides the bands of Regules and
-Pueblita, several others are roving about in this vicinity, plundering
-and burning _haciendas_. Unless something can be done to remedy affairs,
-this whole department will be lost.”
-
-The country’s most serious enemy, however, was its ex-President, Benito
-Juarez. Born about 1807, in the State of Oaxaca, of an Indian family,
-claiming descent from Zapotekos, Juarez’s childhood was spent in extreme
-poverty. With a natural thirst for knowledge, he eagerly availed himself
-of all the opportunities for learning that came within his reach, and,
-finally succeeding in obtaining some education, he determined to devote
-himself to the study of law. A wealthy Indian merchant, named Don José
-Hernandez, had taken him into his service as errand-boy from which
-position he soon rose to a clerkship, and afterward was admitted to the
-bar with the dignity of Doctor of Laws. Later he was elected to the
-Vice-Presidency under Comonfort, upon whose resignation, in 1858, Juarez
-became President of Mexico.
-
-When Maximilian assumed the throne, Juarez’s term of office had nearly
-expired (November 30, 1864). He would have been wise therefore to
-recognize the Empire, under which he might have looked to hold some
-important position. Maximilian, indeed, did make overtures to the
-ex-President by offering him a place in the cabinet, but Juarez coldly
-declined, preferring to remain at the head of the revolutionists, who
-kept Mexico in a state of turmoil and effectually prevented any peaceful
-development of that distracted country.
-
-The position taken by the United States toward the new Empire has
-already been alluded to. On the fourth of April, 1864, Congress adopted
-a resolution declaring the unwillingness of the United States tacitly to
-appear before the world as an indifferent spectator of the deplorable
-events then taking place in Mexico, and its refusal to recognize a
-monarchical government founded on the ruins of an American republic and
-under the protection of a European power.
-
-Much to his regret, therefore, Maximilian was forced to abandon all
-thought of an embassy at Washington. Realizing fully how great an
-advantage recognition by the United States would have been to the
-Empire, both he and his ministers had used every effort to establish
-friendly relations between the two governments. The White House,
-however, still continued to recognize Juarez and his ambassador, Romero,
-a crafty official who succeeded, not only in establishing recruiting
-offices for his master in some of the large cities of the United States,
-but in winning over many of the newspapers also to his side.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter VII
- Bazaine’s Position in Mexico
-
-
-The attitude taken by the French in Mexico has already been alluded to.
-Bazaine in particular seems from the first to have been little affected
-by the Emperor’s good example. He was well aware of France’s
-incalculable services to Mexico, and that it was French bayonets chiefly
-which still maintained some show of order in the country. As for
-Maximilian, while thoroughly appreciating Bazaine’s ability, he could
-not but regard him as the man of whose will he was more or less at the
-mercy, and felt most keenly the arbitrary acts of the Marshal and his
-underlings, of which the following examples will serve as illustrations.
-
-In 1864 the French general, Briancourt, had a Mexican colonel arrested
-and forced him to sweep the streets for two hours every day. Indignant
-at this outrage, some ladies of the town brought wreaths of flowers to
-the colonel as he swept, whereupon Briancourt had bills posted
-proclaiming that in the future any one who committed this offence should
-share the prisoner’s sentence. After being humiliated in this way for
-ten days, the imperial officer was summoned before Briancourt, who
-dismissed him with the words: “Go where you choose now—over to the
-republicans—for all I care!” And the colonel actually did join the
-Emperor’s enemies, with several other officers.
-
-A French officer, meeting one of his comrades who had served through a
-campaign under Lieutenant-colonel Ornano, congratulated him on having
-been one of those receiving decorations for bravery. “You do me an
-injustice!” replied the other. “We invariably turned our backs upon the
-enemy and if Ornano singled me out in his report, it was only through
-fear lest I might betray how it was falsified. Let me tell you just one
-incident of this honorable campaign. As we were approaching the village
-of San Francisco, Ornano sent a party of cavalry in advance to
-reconnoitre. A fifteen-year-old boy, attracted by the sound of riders,
-came to the door of his house to see who they were, and, as he galloped
-by, the leader of the patrol split the poor child’s skull with one
-stroke of his sabre, just as his mother was about to draw him back into
-the house. Truly a heroic deed!”
-
-These examples will suffice to prove with what contempt the French
-regarded the Mexicans and how the officers especially lost no
-opportunity of turning the Emperor’s subjects against him, even while
-they themselves were still supposed to be in Maximilian’s service. It
-would be unjust, however, to accuse the whole army of this treacherous
-behavior, nor can Napoleon Third be held responsible for it. He was a
-warm personal friend of Maximilian in the first place, and it seems
-reasonable to assume that he was ignorant of such conduct on the part of
-Bazaine or he would have recalled him and sent some one else in his
-place.
-
-On the third of October, 1865, a report having been generally circulated
-that Juarez had fled from Mexico and taken refuge in Texas, the Emperor
-issued a decree for which he has been severely criticised. It ran in
-substance as follows: All persons belonging to armed bands or companies,
-political or otherwise, not lawfully authorized, under whatever
-appellation or for whatever purpose, shall be tried by court-martial,
-and if found guilty shall be condemned to death and executed within
-twenty-four hours from the date of sentence.
-
-Bazaine is believed by some to have been the real author of this edict,
-which was aimed at the destruction of the robber bands that infested the
-country, but by authority of which Maximilian himself was afterward
-sentenced to death by Juarez. As, however, it was signed by all
-Maximilian’s liberal ministers it seems more probable that they were
-responsible for a decree so little in accordance with his kindly nature.
-
-Whether or no Bazaine had any share in the framing of this edict, he
-certainly did all in his power to further its execution, as appears from
-a confidential message to his generals sent with a copy of the decree.
-He concludes, “You are hereby commanded to notify the troops under your
-orders that no more prisoners are to be taken. All individuals found
-under arms, irrespective of person, are to be shot on sight. In future
-there will be no more exchange of prisoners; on both sides, it is kill
-or be killed.”
-
-By these cruel means he hoped to prejudice the people against their
-sovereign, thereby furthering his own ambitious schemes for becoming
-President of Mexico himself, schemes which were destined never to be
-realized, however.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter VIII
- Fruits of the New Government
-
-
-We have seen from the preceding chapters what the state of affairs in
-Mexico was when Maximilian assumed the government. By the beginning of
-the second year of the Empire matters had already materially changed.
-Most of the country folk had returned to their farms, and city merchants
-who dealt in agricultural implements soon saw their stock disappear, and
-were forced to order fresh supplies. This led to a steady commercial
-intercourse with the United States which greatly increased after the
-close of the Civil War. In the Spring of 1865 the duties to Mexico from
-New York alone amounted to 1,700,000 pesos in a single week. Trade with
-the West Indies, South America, and Europe was also extensive. Merchants
-who at first had been obliged to purchase on credit, owing to the
-prevailing lack of funds, were by this time able to pay cash for goods.
-This was certainly one good result of the new government, as must have
-been recognized by all public-minded Mexicans.
-
-With the prospect of profit and an assured market, trades and crafts
-also revived. Hundreds of youths, who had been torn from their peaceful
-occupations and forced to join the revolutionist bands, returned to
-their apprenticeships. Channels of trade were improved. A regular line
-of mail steamships was established in the Gulf of Mexico, and
-intercourse was resumed with all Pacific ports. Fine steamers made
-monthly trips from San Francisco to La Paz, Guaymas, and Mazatlan, and
-twice a month from Guaymas to Acapulco. Construction was begun on the
-railroad between Vera Cruz and the capital, though it was afterward
-suspended. A telegraph line was built from Mexico to San Luis Potosi.
-The national finances were also much improved. Customs receipts steadily
-increased and the mints coined more dollars than ever before, though
-still bearing the stamp of the Republic.
-
-These were some of the happy results of the new administration. That
-they were of but brief duration was not the fault of the government nor
-yet of the Emperor, but of Juarez who, still passing as President,
-succeeded only too well in his schemes for undermining the Empire.
-
-With increasing prosperity came a revival of various sports and
-amusements, of which the Mexican people are naturally so fond. Early in
-the year 1865 most of the European ambassadors arrived with their
-suites, and a series of splendid entertainments followed at the imperial
-court. Later the marriage of Marshal Bazaine to the seventeen-year-old
-niece of General Lopez furnished occasion for more festivities. These
-diversions, however, did not cause the Emperor to slacken his labors for
-the improvement of the country. On the third of March, 1865, he had the
-Empire divided into fifty departments and revived the so-called “Indian
-Council,” which had existed in the days of Spanish sovereignty, placing
-at its head the advocate, Faustin Chimalpopoca, a pure Aztec. The
-Indians still formed the larger part of the population of Mexico in
-spite of the efforts of the Republic to enslave and crush them.
-Realizing the importance of this class of people, Maximilian took the
-greatest interest in their protection and welfare, while they in turn
-remained loyal to him to the last.
-
-On the tenth of April, 1865, the anniversary of his acceptance of the
-crown, Maximilian published an imperial statute declaring that, as a
-number of provinces still remained hostile to the Empire, he did not
-deem it wise as yet to introduce popular representation, but promised to
-do so as soon as the national disturbances were settled. Besides the
-Guadeloupe order, revived in 1863, and the order of the Mexican Eagle,
-founded in January, 1865, a special order for women, that of San Carlos,
-was instituted, April tenth, by the joint sovereigns. Another important
-task was the reorganization of the army. Most of the Mexican officers at
-that time were quite useless and must be got rid of. To replace these
-and furnish a supply of efficient native officers, Maximilian opened the
-military school at Chapultepec.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter IX
- Louis Napoleon’s Attitude
-
-
-When Maximilian ascended the throne of Mexico, the Civil War was still
-raging in the United States, and the White House had no time to care for
-the affairs of its southern neighbor. Although from the first the United
-States had refused to recognize the Empire, its attitude had been
-neutral rather than actually hostile, and Napoleon was counting on an
-indefinite continuation of the war for the furtherance of his plans. The
-end came sooner than was expected, however. After a bitter struggle the
-Southern States yielded to the North, and this materially changed the
-situation in Mexico. Juarez was now not only regarded as President, but
-furnished with active support, without which he would doubtless have
-been forced to give up the struggle. He hovered on the border, now on
-one side of the line, now on the other, escaping into Texas when the
-enemy was close at his heels, and remaining there in safety until the
-danger was passed, then crossing back into Mexico again, where,
-reinforced by volunteers from the north, he won frequent victories over
-the imperial troops and constantly gained ground.
-
-Napoleon’s position was likewise changed. In a speech delivered from the
-throne on the twenty-second of January, 1866, he declared:
-
-“In Mexico the government founded by the people continues to thrive. The
-rebels, overpowered and dispersed, have no longer any leaders. The
-national troops have proved their valor and the country has furnished
-security for order and safety in the development of resources which have
-made its commerce worth millions with France alone. Our enterprise
-therefore is progressing most successfully, as I last year expressed the
-hope that it would. As to the recall of our troops I have come to an
-understanding with Emperor Maximilian, whereby their withdrawal may be
-accomplished without danger to the interests of France, for the
-protection of which in that distant country we have pledged ourselves.
-Any objections raised by the United States to the continued presence of
-our troops in Mexico will be removed, I feel sure, by the justice of our
-explanations. The American people will perceive that an enterprise in
-which we sought their aid cannot be contrary to their interests. Two
-nations, equally jealous of their rights, must naturally resent any step
-that might jeopardize their honor or their dignity.”
-
-Plausible and reassuring as this sounds, it nevertheless betrays two
-facts: France’s fear of being drawn into war with the United States if
-she continued to maintain an army on American soil, and Napoleon’s
-desire to conciliate that country even at the cost of violating the
-Treaty of Miramar. True, there may have been something in the secret
-articles added to this document which justified Napoleon’s methods,
-while on the other hand it is evident that Maximilian was far from
-opposing the recall of Bazaine, nor did he object to the gradual
-withdrawal of the French troops, as may be seen from the following
-announcement that appeared in the _Monitor_:
-
-“In pursuance to an agreement between M. Dano, the French ambassador,
-His Excellency Marshal Bazaine, and the Mexican government, the Emperor
-has ordered that the French troops shall leave Mexico in three
-detachments: the first to go in November, 1866, the second in March,
-1867, the third in the following November. Negotiations between the two
-governments have also begun to substitute those articles of the Treaty
-of Miramar relating to finance, new stipulations whereby France’s
-indebtedness and the interest of the loan guaranteed by her to Mexico
-shall be assured.”
-
-The United States declared itself satisfied with these assurances and
-continued to assist Juarez in his attempts to undermine the government.
-
-The year 1866, which thus began so peacefully on paper at a time when
-there was little peace in the air, either in Europe or America, was to
-prove an eventful one for Maximilian, and hastened with giant strides
-the downfall of the Mexican Empire.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter X
- The Empress’ Journey to Europe
-
-
-On the seventh of July, 1866, the following unexpected announcement
-appeared in one of the Mexican journals: “Her Majesty, the Empress,
-leaves to-morrow for Europe, where she is to arrange the settlement of
-various matters of Mexican as well as international import. No greater
-proof of patriotism and self-denial could be furnished on the part of
-our sovereign than the assumption of this mission, the more so as the
-Empress sails from Vera Cruz, where yellow fever is so prevalent at this
-season. We publish this in order that the people may know the real
-purpose of Her Majesty’s journey.”
-
-The Empress Carlotta’s sudden departure aroused great excitement. It was
-generally felt, and not without reason, that such a step must have been
-due to weighty causes, the issue of which it was at that time impossible
-to foresee. For Maximilian it marked a turning-point in his career. It
-was as if with the departure of his guardian angel, Fortune too had
-forsaken him and abandoned him to his fate.
-
- [Illustration: _EMPRESS CARLOTTA_]
-
-Unexpectedly and most uncomfortably for Napoleon, Carlotta arrived at
-St. Nazaire on the eighth of August by the packet-boat, _Empress
-Eugénie_. She was met by the Mexican ambassador, Almonte, and his wife,
-who travelled with her to Paris without delay. Metternich, the Austrian
-ambassador, was awaiting her at the Grand Hotel, and on the eleventh of
-August she had a long interview with Napoleon at St. Cloud. Accounts
-vary as to what actually transpired on this memorable occasion, but
-according to Hellwald, who seems a reliable authority, three points were
-discussed. The first related to the postponement of the withdrawal of
-the first detachment of French troops from November, 1866, to April,
-1867, by which time Maximilian hoped to have his own army so
-strengthened that he could better spare the French. Juarez had been
-making such headway in the north that the Emperor did not dare as yet to
-dispense with his allies. Next the Empress desired that Bazaine should
-be immediately recalled and General Donay sent out in his place, a
-request not difficult to understand considering the many differences
-that had occurred between Maximilian and the Marshal. The third point
-concerned Mexico’s ever empty exchequer. By the Treaty of Miramar Mexico
-had agreed to repay her financial obligations to France; but, as we have
-seen, she was by no means able to pay her debts or even the interest on
-them.
-
-In her first interview the Empress accomplished nothing. Napoleon was
-unwilling to defer the withdrawal of his troops for some months, for
-fear of giving offence to the government at Washington. As to the second
-point no agreement was arrived at, for Bazaine was not recalled. When he
-did leave Mexico at last, he not only took the entire army with him, but
-also induced the volunteers from Austria and Belgium to resign. As to a
-settlement of the Mexican debt, however, a separate treaty was
-concluded.
-
-On the twenty-second of August Empress Eugénie and Emperor Napoleon made
-a final visit to Empress Carlotta, who left Paris on the following day
-for Brussels. From there she went to Italy, and on the twenty-ninth
-arrived once more at Miramar where she had spent so many happy days.
-Another task now awaited her. As the negotiations between Maximilian’s
-ministry and the papal nuncio concerning the religious situation in
-Mexico had been unsuccessful, Carlotta determined to try and settle the
-affair herself. On the twenty-fifth of September, therefore, she arrived
-again in Rome with her suite and two days later had a long audience with
-the Pope. Soon after this she was suddenly taken ill. At first her
-attack was said to be only the result of the fatigues of her long
-journey and the change of climate, an explanation which seemed
-sufficiently plausible. The real nature of the illness could not be long
-concealed, however. The Empress’ mind had become totally deranged, and
-her malady was later pronounced incurable. Shocked as all Europe was by
-this dreadful news, what must have been its effect upon Maximilian! How
-he received it, is told as follows by his own physician, Dr. Basch:
-
-“The Emperor at this time was living entirely secluded in the palace,
-only Herzfeld, the Minister of State, Father Fischer, the court
-chaplain, and myself being present at his table. There were no invited
-guests till the eighteenth of August, for the afternoon of which a large
-dinner was planned. That morning the Emperor held a council of state, at
-the close of which I entered the imperial cabinet. While I was present,
-two cable despatches arrived from Europe, at sight of which His Majesty
-was visibly alarmed. His forebodings were well founded. The first was
-sent by Castello from Rome on the fifth of October, and read:
-
-“‘Her Majesty, the Empress, has succumbed to the fatigues and
-difficulties of her mission, and must be taken to Miramar without delay,
-accompanied by her physicians.’
-
-“The other, dated the twelfth, was from Count Bombelles at Miramar, and
-contained the further information that all hope was not yet abandoned.
-Her Majesty, with her entire suite, was at Miramar, and a member of the
-household would follow at once with advices. Herzfeld opened the
-despatches and, unwilling to break their contents too suddenly to the
-Emperor, pretended that he was unable to decipher them exactly, but
-reassured His Majesty by asserting that the news apparently referred to
-the illness of some one at Miramar, probably one of the Empress’
-ladies-in-waiting, Madame Bario, who was a Mexican.
-
-“The facts could not long be concealed, however, for the Emperor,
-suspecting that something was being withheld from him, insisted upon
-knowing the truth.
-
-“‘I feel that something terrible has happened,’ he declared. ‘Tell me
-what it is, for I am consumed with anxiety.’
-
-“While Herzfeld was seemingly studying the despatches more closely, I
-retired to my apartment, but was soon summoned again by His Majesty. As
-I entered, he turned to me, tears streaming down his cheeks, and asked,
-
-“‘Do you know who Dr. Riedel is in Vienna?’
-
-“At the mention of this name, the truth flashed upon me. Herzfeld had
-disclosed the news, and much as I longed to spare the Emperor, I could
-not lie to him.
-
-“‘He is the director of the Insane Asylum,’ I was reluctantly forced to
-reply.”
-
-These melancholy tidings only served to hasten the impending crisis.
-Already disheartened by repeated trials and disappointments, Maximilian
-now saw his last hope vanish, and felt himself deserted by Providence.
-Indifferent to all that passed, his only thought seemed to be of
-hastening to his beloved wife and leaving behind him this ill-fated
-country to which she had been so cruelly sacrificed.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter XI
- Events in Mexico after the Departure of the Empress
-
-
-Two persons have already been mentioned who played an important part in
-the events of this history, Herzfeld, the Minister of State, and Father
-Fischer. Herzfeld was a German and devoted to the Emperor. Unfortunately
-Maximilian sent him back to Europe soon after this, thereby depriving
-himself of a valuable friend and adviser in his days of misfortune.
-Father Fischer was born in Würtemberg, of Protestant parents, and seems
-to have had rather an adventurous career. He came to America with a band
-of emigrants who settled in Texas, and went from there to California as
-a gold miner. Becoming a convert to Catholicism, he entered the Jesuit
-order, from which he was subsequently dismissed, for good and sufficient
-reasons, no doubt. The description of this man given by the Emperor’s
-physician is far from flattering, but it is manifestly unjust to lay his
-faults at the door of the much-abused order of Jesuits. A whole society
-cannot be held responsible for the deeds or misdeeds of a single member,
-still less when that member has ceased to be one. At all events Father
-Fischer belonged to the Emperor’s closest circle of friends, another
-member of which was Professor Bilimek, whose acquaintance we shall make
-in the next chapter. This man was a scholar, absorbed in the study of
-the flowers and butterflies of Mexico and troubling himself little with
-political affairs.
-
-After the departure of the Empress matters went rapidly from bad to
-worse. In the north the followers of Juarez had inflicted a series of
-defeats on the imperial troops and were steadily gaining ground, while
-in the capital the outlook was far from encouraging. Maximilian had
-replaced two of his Mexican ministers with Frenchmen, Generals Osmont
-and Friant, but their attempts to remedy the situation were frustrated
-by the pride and jealousy of the Mexicans who bitterly resented the
-appointment of foreigners to these high positions. The United States,
-moreover, took exceptions to these appointments as a violation of French
-neutrality and made a formal complaint to Napoleon, whereupon the
-following announcement appeared in the _Monitor_:
-
-“On the twenty-sixth of July His Majesty, the Emperor of Mexico, issued
-a decree entrusting the portfolio of war to General Osmont, Chief of
-Staff of the Expedition Corps, and that of finance to Friant,
-intendant-general of the army. As, however, the military duties of these
-gentlemen, both holding important posts in an army still in the field,
-are irreconcilable with the responsibilities of their new positions,
-they have received no authorization to accept these appointments.”
-
-This plainly shows France’s fear of the United States and her
-indifference to her engagements with Maximilian. A new ministry,
-therefore, had to be formed, in the selection of which Father Fischer’s
-influence is said to have been largely responsible.
-
-As the prospects for a restoration of the Republic grew brighter, Juarez
-did not remain the only candidate for the presidential chair, a certain
-Ortega and the former ex-President Santa Anna also appearing as
-aspirants to the honor. The position of the imperial forces on the
-border soon became so unsafe that Maximilian was forced to abandon those
-districts to the revolutionists and withdraw his troops more into the
-interior. Even his attempt to keep the way to the coast open was not
-successful, for the city of Xalapa, on the road to Vera Cruz, was
-besieged and captured by the rebels, thus cutting off communication
-between the capital and the coast, while many of the native soldiers
-deserted and went over to the enemy with their leaders. Even among the
-revolutionists, however, there were dissensions, the greater part of
-them supporting Juarez, others Ortega or Santa Anna. On one point only
-were they united, the downfall of the Empire and restoration of the
-Republic.
-
-Another incident occurred at this time which was well calculated to make
-Maximilian, already suffering from an intermittent fever, caused by the
-climate, still more averse to remaining in Mexico. This was a conspiracy
-against his life, discovered by one of the town prefects. The plot,
-hatched by some of Santa Anna’s guerilla followers, was to include the
-murder of the prefect himself by his secretary, a man from the lower
-classes whom he had befriended, to be followed by that of several other
-prominent personages. A closer investigation revealed that the Emperor’s
-life also had been aimed at.
-
-Such were the people by whom Maximilian was surrounded, and such the
-treachery which he had constantly to deal with in his adopted country.
-
-On the afternoon of the day on which the two fatal despatches arrived in
-Mexico Maximilian was taking his usual stroll on the flat roof of the
-palace with his physician, when he suddenly announced his intention of
-abandoning the country where he had met with such ingratitude, and asked
-his friend’s advice as to the matter.
-
-“I do not see how it will be possible for Your Majesty to remain here,”
-replied the doctor frankly.
-
-“Will it be attributed to the Empress’ illness if I should leave?” he
-then inquired.
-
-“That certainly is reason enough,” returned the other. “Besides, Europe
-must recognize that Your Majesty is no longer bound to remain in Mexico
-after France’s violation of her contracts.”
-
-“What do you suppose Herzfeld and Fischer will think of it?” continued
-Maximilian, after a pause.
-
-“I am sure that Herzfeld will share my views,” declared the physician.
-“As to Father Fischer, to tell the truth, I have not much confidence in
-his opinions.”
-
-They then discussed the advisability of leaving at once or whether it
-would be better to wait for a time, but as there seemed no good reason
-at present for a sudden departure, Dr. Basch advised deferring it for a
-week in order that suitable preparations might be made.
-
-That evening Maximilian summoned his Minister of State and Professor
-Bilimek, director of the museum, and laid the matter before them. To
-both, the Emperor’s safety was of far more concern than the fate of a
-half-civilized country whose indifference had caused the downfall of all
-his hopes and schemes. The recent plot against the Emperor’s life also
-may well have been an argument in favor of the plan. At all events they
-heartily coincided with it and Herzfeld urged preparations for departure
-with such energy that in three days’ time it was possible to leave
-Chapultepec, a summer palace near the city of Mexico, which Maximilian
-had had newly restored and fitted up at great cost and where he was
-staying at this time.
-
-The rumor of the Emperor’s proposed departure caused general
-consternation. The new ministry was stunned and tried every means to
-dissuade him from this step. But Maximilian remained deaf to all
-arguments and, lest his resolution should be weakened, Dr. Basch had
-orders to permit no one to enter the royal apartments. All who came were
-dismissed with the information that His Majesty was ill and could
-receive no visitors. Even the Princess Iturbide, aunt of little Prince
-Iturbide, a descendant of August the First, the first Emperor of Mexico,
-whom Maximilian, having no children of his own, had named as Crown
-Prince, was unable to gain access to him. The physician admits he had
-rather a violent scene with the high-spirited Princess. She would take
-no denial and ended by roundly abusing those friends of the Emperor’s
-who had persuaded him to leave Mexico.
-
-As a last resort the ministry threatened to resign in a body if the plan
-were persisted in, but even this was of no avail. Maximilian quietly
-declared that if these gentlemen resigned their offices he would leave
-the country at once, and he would certainly have kept his word. It is
-greatly to be regretted, therefore, that they did not do so and thus
-spare Mexico the everlasting stain of treachery and murder. Finding it
-the only means of at least deferring the Emperor’s abdication, however,
-they remained at their posts and sent a message to him agreeing to carry
-on the business of government during his absence in accordance with his
-wishes.
-
-Maximilian had already received a letter from Bazaine approving the plan
-of changing his residence to Orizaba, which was only a day’s journey
-from the seaport of Vera Cruz, and promising to maintain law and order
-in the capital. The Emperor’s abdication would suit his own plans very
-well, by bringing him a step nearer to the realization of his secret
-ambitions.
-
-Thanks to Herzfeld’s energy and activity, all was ready at the appointed
-time, and at four o’clock on the morning of the twenty-first of October,
-the Emperor, escorted by a troop of three hundred hussars under the
-command of Colonel Kodolitsch, set out from Chapultepec, little thinking
-ever to see that place again. Councillor Herzfeld remained in the
-capital to arrange some business matters, expecting to join the Emperor
-later on.
-
-The journey to Orizaba must not be passed over in silence, as it was
-marked by the occurrence of an important event. On the afternoon of the
-first day, the imperial party reached the Hacienda Socyapan, where they
-were to spend the night. The Emperor seemed abstracted, and walked up
-and down before the _hacienda_ in silence with his physician and
-Professor Bilimek. At length he broke out suddenly:
-
-“I cannot have any more bloodshed in this unhappy country on my account.
-What am I to do?”
-
-The professor advised him to abdicate and sail for Europe at once, but
-Dr. Basch opposed this, representing that an unnecessarily sudden
-departure would only precipitate matters and bring about exactly what
-the Emperor wished to avoid, namely, more bloodshed in Mexico. At the
-same time he urged a revocation of the decree of the third of October,
-1865, a suggestion which Maximilian cordially approved, and in regard to
-which he expressed himself in strong terms on this occasion.
-
-Father Fischer and Colonel Kodolitsch, who were also in the Emperor’s
-confidence, added their influence to the doctor’s, urging that a
-_hacienda_ was not a suitable place from which to abdicate a throne, as
-Maximilian himself was forced to acknowledge. He contented himself,
-therefore, with issuing two orders. Father Fischer was to write personal
-letters at once to Bazaine and to Minister Lares, ordering the repeal of
-the law of the third of October and the cessation of all hostilities
-until further notice. These two important despatches were entrusted to
-Count Lamotte, an officer in the Austrian Hussars, to carry back to the
-city of Mexico, and on the following morning the Emperor left the
-_hacienda_ apparently much relieved. At noon of the second day, while
-resting at Rio-Frio, he sent the following telegram to Captain Pierron:
-
-“You, with Messieurs Pino, Trouchot, and Mangino, are hereby appointed a
-commission which, under your direction and with the assistance of some
-trustworthy official from the ministry of finance, will examine the
-Civil List accounts, mine as well as that of the Empress, to prove
-whether we owe the State or the State us. I desire from the commission a
-detailed and authenticated statement in regard to this, in which shall
-be included the sum taken by the Empress for her voyage to Europe, and
-that received by my secretary on the Civil List account, together with
-those employed by Minister Arroyo after the reduction of the Civil List,
-in works on the palace and at Chapultepec.”
-
-Herzfeld was also commissioned to issue, in the name of the Emperor, the
-necessary written orders to the prefect and treasurer at Miramar.
-
-“The Emperor wishes the utmost publicity to be given these matters,” so
-Herzfeld was notified, “and holds you responsible therefor on your honor
-and your friendship. Amid the political shipwreck he desires to keep his
-name and honor untarnished and would rather suffer personal loss than
-touch any part of the property of the Mexican nation.”
-
-At the stations of Actzingo and Canada, Maximilian spent the night in
-the house of the priests, a fact which furnished his enemies an
-opportunity for accusing him of too close affiliation with the clergy.
-His arrival was everywhere hailed with rejoicings, and he was
-overwhelmed with expressions of sympathy for the illness of the Empress.
-On the twenty-seventh of October the imperial party reached the city of
-Orizaba, which they entered at five o’clock in the afternoon, greeted
-with booming of cannon and the enthusiastic acclamations of the
-populace.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter XII
- The Emperor at Orizaba
-
-
-Herzfeld’s knowledge of the real state of affairs and anxiety for his
-master’s safety soon caused him to lay aside all other considerations
-and follow the Emperor to Orizaba, where he urged preparations for
-departure with all possible despatch. In the midst of those, however, he
-was ordered to Europe by Maximilian to prepare for his arrival there.
-Thus this loyal friend was spared being a witness of the Emperor’s
-tragic fate.
-
-During his stay in Orizaba Maximilian led a simple, secluded life in his
-palace, seeing only his intimate associates, but occupied with
-arrangements for departure, and the settling of his private affairs.
-Much to his satisfaction, his Civil List showed a balance in his favor
-of $180,000. All his servants but two were paid and dismissed. Colonel
-Kodolitsch was sent to Mexico to arrange with Bazaine concerning the
-Austrian and Belgian volunteers, who had followed Maximilian to Mexico
-and for whose future he felt it his duty to provide. One question much
-discussed confidentially, and which Maximilian seemed quite unable to
-decide, was as to whether the abdication should take place before his
-departure or in Europe, where he had accepted the crown. His plans for
-the future were already made. It was not his intention to return at once
-to Austria, but to travel for two years, meeting the Empress at Corfu,
-if her condition should permit. Meanwhile his own health had greatly
-improved. With his two countrymen, Dr. Basch and Professor Bilimek, he
-made frequent excursions about the neighborhood, enjoying the wonderful
-scenery or searching for rare specimens of plants and insects. Suddenly,
-however, events occurred which changed the aspect of affairs and
-effectually put an end to the Emperor’s plans of travel.
-
-Two old comrades-in-arms in the Mexican army, Generals Marquez and
-Miramon, returned from Europe and, seeking an immediate audience with
-the Emperor, urged him to return to the capital, holding out promises of
-support and encouraging prospects for the imperial cause. While
-Maximilian was hesitating, a letter arrived from Bazaine, which turned
-the scale. In this the Marshal was so imprudent as to tell tales out of
-school, betraying the fact that Napoleon III had made other plans for
-Mexico without consulting Maximilian, who, as he had not yet abdicated,
-was still sovereign of the country. This arbitrary conduct on the part
-of his ally roused Maximilian to action. Indignant at the slight cast
-upon him and anxious to prove that he was not slinking away at the
-bidding of France like a disgraced servant, he was in a proper frame of
-mind to respond to the appeal made by his conservative advisers, that it
-was his duty to remain and not desert his party in the hour of danger.
-Although outwardly preparations for departure continued as before, the
-Emperor’s resolution was weakened, and toward the end of November he
-summoned his council to Orizaba to consult with them as to the
-advisability of his abdication, giving in an address to that body his
-reasons for such a step, _viz._, the spread of the revolution with its
-attendant evils, the hostility of the United States toward Mexico, and
-the withdrawal of the support of France.
-
-A vote was taken, twenty-three members of the council being present, of
-whom two were for immediate abdication, ten of the opposite opinion,
-while eleven were in favor of abdication, but held that the present was
-not the time for such a step. Maximilian yielded to the majority and
-agreed to remain on condition that funds should be raised for the proper
-defence of the government and the organization of a permanent national
-army, and that measures should be taken toward the settlement of
-questions pending with France and the United States. The Mexicans,
-proverbially lavish with promises, readily agreed to all these points,
-and on the first of December the Emperor issued a manifesto to the
-people, declaring that he had yielded to the desire of his council on
-condition that a congress representing all parties should be summoned to
-decide the existence of the Empire, and, if this were confirmed, he
-would devote himself to the promotion of its welfare.
-
-On the twelfth of December, 1866, Maximilian left Orizaba to return to
-Mexico, accompanied by most of the members of the council who, in the
-unsettled condition of the country, were glad to avail themselves of the
-imperial escort, consisting as before of Colonel Kodolitsch’s hussars.
-They consumed much time on the journey, lingering for nearly three weeks
-at Puebla, Maximilian residing at first in the Xonaca palace, a short
-distance outside the city. Here he held an interview with Castelnan, the
-French consul, which appears to have been of a most unpleasant nature
-and widened still further the breach between the two Emperors.
-Scientific expeditions were also attempted by the three friends, as at
-Orizaba, but, finding few specimens in the region about Puebla, these
-excursions were soon abandoned and Maximilian moved his residence into
-the city.
-
-Arriving in Mexico on the fifth of January, 1867, Maximilian remained
-for a time at the Hacienda de Teja, a quarter of an hour’s distance from
-the capital. While there three of his former ministers, Ramirez,
-Escudero, and Robles y Pezuela, made a final attempt to induce him to
-abdicate and leave the country at once. But although evidently impressed
-by their arguments he refused to follow their advice. The accusations of
-vacillation and irresolution afterward made against Maximilian would
-seem to be justified by his behavior at this time. Doubtful of himself
-and of the future, he still clung to the hope of being able at least to
-retire with honor, conscious of having fulfilled his duty to his
-adherents. In relating to his physician the interview with his
-ex-ministers, he declared that Ramirez wept at parting, expressing the
-earnest wish that his evil forebodings might not be realized. He knew
-but too well how deceptive were the promises of his countrymen.
-
-“In no case,” continued the Emperor, “will I remain here more than a few
-months, only until affairs are more settled. Will it injure my health,
-do you think, to stay on in Mexico? Will the fever return?”
-
-“I have no anxiety as to Your Majesty’s health on that score,” replied
-the physician; “it is Your Majesty’s life I fear for.”
-
-Maximilian’s attempts to convoke an assembly of liberal representatives
-from all parties to discuss measures for remedying the existing
-disorders in the country met with small success, as might have been
-expected. It seemed impossible to obtain any sort of peaceful fusion or
-coöperation, and there was nothing left for the Junta (congress) but to
-declare war on the rebels in Mexico—war to the knife.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter XIII
- Departure of the French
-
-
-Meanwhile the French were making active preparations for their return to
-France. On the sixteenth of January, 1867, a letter arrived from
-Napoleon Third, revoking the extraordinary powers granted to Bazaine as
-commander-in-chief of the Expedition Corps and declaring the corps
-itself disbanded. The embarkation of the first division of troops on the
-_Empress Eugénie_ had then already begun. This was in accordance with
-the secret articles already mentioned, and met with no objection on the
-part of Maximilian. The recall of the foreign legion, however, included
-in the order, was a direct violation of the Treaty of Miramar, which
-guaranteed their remaining in the country for several years yet, if
-needed.
-
-In February the French marched out of the capital. Before leaving they
-burned as many of the army effects as could not profitably be taken with
-them. A large quantity of powder was poured into the water, and
-projectiles were rendered useless by being filled with sand, so that the
-Mexicans should not profit by their possession. It is hard to believe
-that Bazaine’s personal feeling could have gone to such lengths, but
-there seems no reason to doubt the truth of these statements. During the
-Russian retreat before the French, in 1812, stores of all kinds were
-destroyed to prevent their falling into the enemy’s hands. Maximilian
-was not yet an enemy; on the contrary, he was supposed to be an ally,
-yet for days huge columns of fire and smoke testified to the friendship
-of the French.
-
-Nor was this all. On the occasion of the Marshal’s marriage to his
-Mexican wife, Maximilian had presented him with a palace, which in case
-of his recall was to be redeemed by the government for 150,000 piastres
-($100,000). Now that he was about to leave the country forever he
-demanded the promised sum, though well aware of the state of Mexican
-finances, and, finding it impossible to obtain the money from an empty
-exchequer, sold enough French arms and ammunition to the revolutionists
-at insignificant prices to make up the amount.
-
-When Bazaine, some months before, had begun the reorganization of the
-Mexican army which was to replace the French, he had ordered that all
-commanders must be Frenchmen, other officers and privates either French
-or Mexicans; pay, equipment, etc., to be the same as in the French army,
-and those of his own troops who chose were to be free to remain in the
-service of the Emperor. Yet in spite of this, before the departure of
-the last of the troops in February, 1867, he issued an order declaring
-that all French soldiers, officers or privates, who did not return to
-their own banner immediately would be regarded as deserters and forfeit
-all rights as citizens. Owing to the wide area of country involved and
-the difficulty of communication it was, of course, impossible for this
-order to reach all the French soldiers in Mexico—a fact which was taken
-advantage of later by Juarez, for all the Frenchmen serving under
-Maximilian, who were unfortunate enough to be taken prisoners, were shot
-as deserters. Before leaving, however, the Marshal was kind enough to
-send a message to Maximilian, offering to wait for him in case he should
-decide to leave the country—an offer which, needless to say, was
-declined.
-
-With the French troops, thanks to Bazaine’s powers of persuasion, went
-the greater part of the Austrian and Belgian volunteers, who had done
-distinguished service under the command of Count Thun, only a few of the
-Austrians remaining with their Prince. The first step now to be taken
-was the formation of the new national army, a task already begun by
-Bazaine. Maximilian divided it, roughly speaking, into three corps,
-commanded respectively by Generals Miramon, Marquez, and Mejia. As these
-three men are henceforth to play an important part in Mexican affairs, a
-word concerning them may not be amiss.
-
-Miramon had already enjoyed the honor of occupying the presidential
-chair in Mexico, at which time Marquez had served under him. One
-incident will suffice to illustrate the character of these two heroes.
-After the capture of Tacubaya, in 1859, they made a visit to the
-hospital where a corps of seven surgeons were caring for the wounded,
-friend and foe alike. That very day Miramon issued an order to Marquez,
-requiring all prisoners ranking from subalterns to staff-officers to be
-shot under his personal supervision—a list of the same to be delivered
-to himself that evening. And Leonardo Marquez, this worthy henchman,
-carried out these instructions so faithfully that not only every
-prisoner was shot before sunset, but also the surgeons of whom there had
-been no mention in the order. Such were the ideas of justice that
-animated these two commanders of the Mexican national army, yet Marquez,
-in particular, seems to have completely succeeded in concealing his real
-character from Maximilian, over whom he unfortunately had great
-influence. In marked contrast to these was the Indian Mejia, who, though
-still young and of unprepossessing appearance, was brave and honest, a
-good soldier, and loyal to the end to his imperial master, whose death
-indeed he shared.
-
-Army corps, properly speaking, were out of the question, of course, in
-the Mexican army, of which only the few remaining French troops and
-foreign volunteers were trained soldiers. For the rest and for the
-greater part it was composed of half-hearted Mexicans, impressed into
-the service and ready to go over to the enemy at a moment’s notice
-whenever it pleased them. Of the volunteers Colonel Kherenhüller had
-succeeded in forming a regiment of hussars, and Baron Hammerstein, one
-of infantry, while Count Wickenburg had an auxiliary force of
-constabulary, and Colonel Masso the _cazadores_ or _chasseurs_, all of
-whom did good service. That their blood was shed in vain, that they
-never had the honor of fighting near the Emperor or defending him with
-their lives, was not the fault of these brave Germans, but of the
-traitorous villain Marquez.
-
-Maximilian next divided the country into three great military districts.
-Mejia was given command in the east, with headquarters at San Luis
-Potosi, Miramon was stationed in the west at Querétaro, while Marquez,
-controlling the central district, remained in the capital.
-
-The Emperor was determined now to show that he could maintain his
-position without the aid of French bayonets—a proof of confidence and
-fearlessness which was hailed with acclamations by the imperialists, who
-already foresaw the downfall of Juarez and the triumph of the Empire.
-Before actual hostilities began, however, Maximilian made one more
-effort to avert bloodshed and make peace with his enemies. But it was
-all in vain. His overtures were coldly rejected and there was nothing
-for it but to let fate take its course.
-
-The first advance was made by Miramon, who succeeded in inflicting a
-severe defeat upon the republicans, Juarez and his ministers only
-escaping by the swiftness of their horses. But the exultation caused by
-this news soon gave place to deepest dejection. Some days later,
-Escobedo, commander of the revolutionist army in the north, surprised
-the imperialists at San Jacinto and put them to rout, while Miramon,
-with the remnants of his scattered forces, took refuge in Querétaro.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter XIV
- The Siege of Querétaro
-
-
-On the tenth of February the Emperor told his physician to prepare for a
-two weeks’ expedition to Querétaro. Prompted by the urgent
-representations of his ministers, Lares and Marquez, that his presence
-was needed there to counteract the demoralizing effect of Miramon’s
-defeat, he determined to place himself at the head of the army. After
-some delay, owing to the difficulty of obtaining funds for the campaign,
-in spite of the ministry’s assurances as to the satisfactory condition
-of the national finances, Maximilian set out upon this fateful journey
-on the thirteenth of February, with a force of sixteen hundred Mexicans.
-
-The matter had been arranged with so much secrecy that even Prince Salm
-and Major Hammerstein had no suspicion of the plan, while the Austrian
-hussars were dumbfounded when they found the Emperor starting for
-Querétaro without them. Two men have been accused of persuading
-Maximilian to this rash and fatal step—Father Fischer and the Prussian
-ambassador, Baron Magnus. Dr. Basch, one of the few who were in the
-secret, denies this, however, and places the blame entirely on the two
-ministers, Lares and Marquez—the latter of whom had managed to win the
-Emperor’s entire confidence by his eloquence and flattery. This seems
-the more probable since it was to their interest to remove Maximilian to
-a safe distance. Once already he had started for the coast. Why might he
-not do so again and with the aid of his Austrians succeed in reaching it
-and bidding adieu to the country forever? This must be prevented at all
-cost. As for leaving these loyal troops behind and trusting himself to
-the uncertain Mexicans, it must be remembered that Maximilian was
-completely deceived as to the real state of affairs. From his order to
-Dr. Basch it is evident he expected to return from Querétaro in a short
-time. He wished also to give his Mexican subjects a proof of his
-confidence in them, a noble and chivalrous idea, no doubt, but most
-imprudent.
-
-Marquez, on the other hand, was anxious to keep the Emperor under his
-own influence and away from that of his German friends, whose advice
-might seriously interfere with his plans. It was also important to leave
-the capital in safe hands, and no one realized more than Marquez the
-difference between the Austrian troops and his ragged Mexican soldiers,
-many of them wearing a uniform for the first time.
-
-It was doubtless for this reason that the plan was kept so secret. The
-Emperor’s friends would surely have dissuaded him from taking such a
-step or, at least, have insisted on accompanying him. Indeed, when
-Kherenhüller and Hammerstein heard that he was about to leave for
-Querétaro, they tried their best to induce him to take them with him. As
-a last resort they even appealed to Father Fischer to use his influence
-in their behalf, but all in vain. Having promised his friend, Marquez,
-Maximilian felt he could not in honor retract his word.
-
-Shortly before setting out he took leave of his Austrian officers,
-assuring them that his reasons for taking this journey were purely
-political ones, and promising that they should soon follow. Prince Salm
-indeed did follow with a few trusted men, in spite of the Emperor’s
-prohibition, overtaking the imperial party before they reached
-Querétaro. Of the march thither Maximilian himself gives an interesting
-account in a letter to Professor Bilimek who had returned to Miramar
-some time before. In it he writes:
-
-“As you will already have learned through the newspapers, our friends,
-the French, have at last left Mexico, and, having once more obtained
-liberty of action, we have exchanged the butterfly net for the sword.
-Instead of bugs and beetles we now pursue other game. Bullets instead of
-bees now buzz about our heads. Twice between Mexico and Querétaro we
-were in action and had a number of our men killed and wounded. One of
-the latter fell just in front of my horse and was immediately operated
-on, under fire, by Dr. Basch, the only European who accompanied me. In
-the second skirmish, where we were shot at like targets, our Hungarian
-cook (you remember him?), who was riding behind us with our servant
-Grill, was wounded on the lip. In every town where there were no
-revolutionists we were welcomed most heartily by the people, whom we
-found longing for peace and cursing the French.”
-
-Maximilian reached Querétaro on the nineteenth and was received with the
-enthusiasm to be expected from one of the strongest imperialist cities.
-The streets were thronged with curious spectators who hailed the
-Emperor’s appearance with shouts of joy, while from windows and
-balconies, flags and gay hangings of all sorts waved a welcome. The
-Spanish casino had been selected and prepared as a residence for the
-Emperor, where he was received by the commandant of the city, General
-Escobar, after which the whole party attended a solemn Te Deum at the
-cathedral.
-
-In the evening there were great festivities, concluding with a
-magnificent banquet, at which there was no lack of those fine speeches
-wherein the Mexicans especially excel. Maximilian took no part in these
-celebrations, pleading fatigue as an excuse. Marquez, however, improved
-the occasion rudely to impress upon General Miramon the sense of their
-altered positions, he now being commander-in-chief and Miramon his
-inferior, at the same time openly displaying his satisfaction over the
-latter’s recent defeat. Truly a noble soul! Although white with rage,
-Miramon controlled himself, replying briefly with a toast to the army.
-
-For a time after his arrival in Querétaro, Maximilian found the life
-very pleasant. His simple, kindly ways soon won the hearts of the
-people, with whom he mingled freely and fearlessly, joining in their
-amusements and conversing familiarly with all classes. His coolness
-under fire also roused the admiration of his soldiers, who cheered
-wildly as he rode calmly past their ranks, the enemy’s bullets whistling
-about his head.
-
-In the capital, meanwhile, there was so little thought given to the
-Emperor and his companions in Querétaro, and there was so little idea of
-keeping any of the promises made to him, it would almost seem that
-Marquez was not the only traitor. Soon after leaving Mexico, Maximilian
-had sent back word for the Austrian troops remaining there to follow him
-at once. Had this order been delivered, the expedition to Querétaro
-might have had a different and less tragic ending. But, owing to
-Marquez, it never reached its destination, and the Emperor’s loyal
-friends, Kherenhüller and Hammerstein, were prevented from joining him
-while there was still time.
-
-The city of Querétaro had at this time a population of some forty
-thousand inhabitants. It lay in a narrow valley on the southern bank of
-a small stream, called the Rio Blanco, forming a quadrangle of about
-eight thousand feet in length by four thousand in breadth. To the west
-extended a wide plain, called from the mountains behind it the plain of
-Guadalajara, while running from south to northeast was a range of hills,
-afterward utilized by the republicans with great effect. Two places
-which proved of special importance to the imperialists during the siege
-were the Cerro de la Campaña, a hill lying just west of the city, and
-the Convent de la Cruz, almost at the opposite end. This was a large
-stone edifice of great strength, dating from the days of Cortez. The
-convent grounds were enclosed by heavy stone walls, and had at the
-eastern end a smaller but equally strong building known as the Pantheon
-or burial-place of the convent.
-
-Two weeks after the Emperor’s arrival (March fifth), the republican
-forces, under General Escobedo, appeared before Querétaro and began to
-invest the town. The garrison consisted of about four thousand infantry,
-three thousand cavalry, and had forty-four cannon—a force so
-insignificant, compared with the vast armies of the present day, that it
-is remarkable it should have held out as long as it did against such
-overwhelming superiority of numbers. General Mejia had arrived at
-Querétaro shortly before this, with his troops from Potosi, among whom
-were a number of German officers and soldiers, while serving under
-Miramon were some six hundred Frenchmen. Immediately after the
-appearance of the enemy, Maximilian held a council of war with his
-generals. Miramon and Mejia were in favor of attacking the republicans
-before their forces should have time to unite—an excellent plan which
-was not carried out owing to the opposition of the all-influential
-Marquez, who held that the defence of the city should be their first
-consideration. Thus precious time was allowed to pass, and the
-imperialists looked calmly on while the enemy gradually crowned the
-surrounding heights with batteries. The Emperor had first established
-his headquarters on the Cerro de la Campaña, but when the republicans
-extended their lines eastward, they were moved to the Convent de la Cruz
-(so called from a cross erected there in commemoration of the conquest).
-General Miramon now occupied the former headquarters with a battery of
-eight guns, while the chief defence of the town was entrusted to the
-Mexican Castillo, an able general, but no longer young and almost
-entirely deaf.
-
-The enemy’s next move was to cut off the city’s supplies, both of water
-and provisions, hoping to subdue it by starvation. The only water now
-obtainable was that of the Rio Blanco, while meat soon grew so scarce
-that many of the cavalry horses had to be sacrificed. Juarez himself
-joined the republican camp for a time, but, being unable to endure the
-smell of powder, soon returned to Potosi. On the fourteenth of March the
-Juarists made their first general attack on the town, assaults being
-made on three sides at once, under cover of the batteries. The main
-struggle, however, took place at La Cruz. After a hot fight they
-succeeded in capturing the Pantheon, but were afterward driven out by a
-body of Austrians. During the attack Maximilian remained in the great
-square before the convent, exposed to the hottest fire, yet quite calm
-and apparently unconscious of the deadly hail of bullets all about him.
-Once a shell burst only a few paces in front of him, but fortunately no
-one was injured, though an adjutant had his sword bent and his clothes
-burned by a flying splinter. Prince Salm, always conspicuous for
-bravery, made a brilliant sortie and succeeded in capturing the first
-guns from the enemy.
-
-By evening the Juarists had been repulsed at all points and driven back,
-but the victory proved barren in results. Lopez, for some reason, took
-no part in the action, while Marquez either would not or did not know
-how to follow up the advantage he had gained. As for Miramon, he
-distinguished himself a few days later. It had been planned to surprise
-the Juarists early on the morning of the sixteenth, and Miramon was
-chosen to lead the attack, from which great things were hoped. But the
-whole scheme fell through because—that general overslept!—a neglect of
-duty difficult to understand in these days. When he did at last awake it
-was broad daylight, and all thought of a surprise had to be abandoned.
-
-On the twenty-first of March another council was held and an important
-decision arrived at. This was to send one of the generals back to the
-city of Mexico with full authority from the Emperor to act as he thought
-best. He was to dismiss the present ministry and form a new one, to
-obtain more funds, and, in any case, to return with aid to Querétaro
-without delay. Marquez, for whom the place was getting much too warm by
-this time, had no difficulty in obtaining the appointment—a simple means
-of escaping the trap into which he had led his sovereign. Still trusting
-the traitor implicitly, Maximilian left it entirely to him whether to
-bring only a part of the troops from Mexico or the whole garrison. It
-was arranged that Marquez, with one thousand horsemen, was to make his
-way through the hills to the south, while Miramon, to divert the enemy’s
-attention, made a sortie in the opposite direction. The plan was kept so
-secret that even Miramon had no suspicion of the real purpose of his
-expedition. This time he did not oversleep but successfully surprised
-the enemy at four in the morning, returning with twenty-two carts full
-of provisions and war material, sixty oxen, and some two hundred sheep
-and goats. Meanwhile Marquez and his troopers had passed through the
-enemy’s lines unnoticed, leaving the imperialists the poorer by one
-thousand of their best men—no small loss to a garrison already so
-reduced.
-
-The Juarists, now swelled by reinforcements to about forty thousand men,
-continued to harass the city by daily attacks from without, while their
-spies kept them accurately informed of all that passed within. The
-Emperor, unconscious of the treachery by which he was surrounded, still
-looked confidently for relief from Marquez. Days passed in
-ever-increasing suspense, while the situation of the besieged grew more
-and more critical. Marquez’ enemies began openly to hint at treachery,
-and at length even Maximilian lost faith. Now that it was too late his
-eyes were opened to the real nature of his “friend,” and, realizing that
-he had been betrayed, he determined to send Prince Salm on another
-mission to the capital—to arrest Marquez, if necessary, and return at
-once with reinforcements. An attempt was accordingly made on the
-twenty-second of April to break through the enemy’s lines, but the city
-was by this time so closely invested that it was found to be useless.
-Meanwhile the republicans, fearing that the Emperor with his whole force
-might succeed in escaping from the city, caused reports of Marquez’
-approach to be circulated by their spies, while false despatches,
-purporting to arrive from the capital, were smuggled through the lines
-in order to soothe the imperialists with vain hopes.
-
-But what of Marquez while all Querétaro watched so anxiously for his
-return? Where was he and what was he doing? He had arrived safely at the
-capital on the twenty-seventh of March with few losses, and, finding the
-city of Puebla hard pressed by the Juarist, Porfirio Diaz, determined to
-go to its relief. Though well aware of the urgency of the situation in
-Querétaro, and the need of haste in executing his mission, he seems to
-have troubled himself little concerning it, and to have taken no steps
-toward sending the promised aid. The relief of Puebla he did indeed
-undertake, but here as in Querétaro he made so many blunders that the
-attempt ended in utter failure and involved the needless sacrifice of
-many of Maximilian’s brave Austrians.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter XV
- Downfall of the Mexican Empire
-
-
-Meanwhile the situation in Querétaro remained about the same from week
-to week. Thanks to the reports spread by republican spies, relief was
-still looked for, while frequent skirmishes enlivened the monotony in
-which both Miramon and Mejia distinguished themselves. Nor were they
-altogether without results, for on the twenty-seventh of April Miramon
-routed twelve thousand of the besiegers, captured twenty-one guns, and
-took a large number of prisoners. Yet neither of these generals seemed
-able to utilize their advantages. Whenever a victory was won, precious
-moments were wasted in useless celebrations, in true Mexican fashion,
-leaving the enemy plenty of time to recover lost ground.
-
-At length, however, the Emperor was forced to abandon all hope of
-Marquez’ return and as a last resort began seriously to consider the
-possibility of breaking through the enemy’s siege lines to the western
-plain whence they might be able to reach the mountains beyond. Once
-there they would be safe—for these were the native haunts of General
-Mejia, who knew every foot of the country and was certain to find
-support among the sturdy mountaineers—always a loyal race. Thither, too,
-the Juarists would be slow to follow. Being unwilling to leave the city
-without any military protection, Maximilian’s first step was to issue a
-call for volunteers, to which hundreds of the townsfolk responded and
-were enrolled as recruits by Mejia, to whom their organization was
-entrusted. Meanwhile Prince Salm selected a body-guard of picked men for
-the Emperor. The attempt was to be made early on the morning of the
-fourteenth of May,—the chief command of the expedition being intrusted
-to Colonel Lopez, a proof of Maximilian’s unbounded faith in this
-scoundrel. As to the sequence of events, Dr. Basch, who was an
-eye-witness, writes as follows:
-
-“At eleven o’clock on the night of the thirteenth, a council of war was
-held at which it was decided to defer our departure till the following
-night. This was at Mejia’s request, the number of volunteers being so
-great he had been unable properly to arm or organize them in so short a
-time, and it was upon their help he largely depended for the success of
-the undertaking. Preparations had all been completed. We were ready for
-the march. Only such effects as could be carried with us on our horses
-were to be taken. The Emperor himself was very hopeful. ‘I am glad,’ he
-said to me on the afternoon of the fourteenth, ‘that the end has come at
-last and feel sure we shall succeed, partly because my good fortune has
-never yet failed me and also—call it superstition if you will—because
-to-morrow is my mother’s name day—which is a good omen.’
-
-“The Emperor’s luggage was divided among the escort—members of his suite
-each taking a part of his papers among their effects. The contents of
-His Majesty’s privy purse were distributed between Salm,
-Lieutenant-colonel Pradillo, the Emperor’s secretary, Blasio, Colonel
-Campos, commander of the body-guard, myself, and Lopez, the latter of
-whom expressed dissatisfaction on being handed his share because it was
-in silver and small coin instead of gold like the rest.
-
-“At ten o’clock that night another postponement was made till the
-fifteenth, this time at the request of General Mendez, for what reason I
-am unable to say. About eleven the Emperor held a conference with Lopez
-concerning some details of the plan, and, made wakeful by excitement,
-did not retire until one. At half-past two he had me wakened. I went at
-once to his room and found him suffering with an attack of dysentery—a
-disease which had been making havoc in both camps owing to bad food and
-the effects of the rainy season. I stayed with him nearly an hour till
-the pain was relieved, then returned to my own room and lay down with my
-clothes on. The convent was then wrapped in deep stillness; not a sound
-was to be heard. Just before five I was suddenly aroused by two men
-bursting into my room, one of whom I recognized as Lieutenant Jablonski.
-‘Where is Prince Salm?’ they shouted, ‘he must be awakened!’ and with
-these words they rushed out again. I sprang up at once. Something
-unusual must have occurred to bring them to headquarters at that hour.
-Without stopping to think about it, however, I roused my servant, who
-was sleeping in the same room, ordered him to saddle my horse as quickly
-as possible, and hastened in quest of Salm, whom I found already up and
-dressed. I asked him what was the matter. ‘We are surprised,’ was his
-answer. ‘Make haste and tell Fürstenwärther to have the hussars mount
-without delay.’
-
-“I had just delivered this message when the Emperor’s Mexican
-chamberlain, Severo, came and informed me that His Majesty wished to
-speak with me. Returning to his room, I found him already dressed. ‘I do
-not think it is anything serious,’ he declared with the utmost calmness,
-‘but the enemy have forced their way into the courtyard. Get your pistol
-and follow me to the square.’
-
-“Grill, the steward, afterward told me during our imprisonment that the
-Emperor did not lose his presence of mind for a moment. While he was
-dressing he had his sword placed by the door unsheathed, to be at hand
-in case of need. In obedience to His Majesty’s command I went to my room
-to buckle on my revolver and there my servant met me with the news that
-he had been stopped by a strange officer who had taken the saddle
-blankets from him. Having myself given the order for the hussars to
-mount, it was necessary for me to have my horse at once if I was to
-accompany the Emperor, so I told my servant to follow me and point out
-the officer who had prevented his obeying my orders. We met him in one
-of the passageways, wrapped in one of the blankets and carrying the
-other on his shoulder. As the Emperor had only spoken of the enemy as
-having entered the courtyard, I naturally supposed, meeting this man
-inside the convent, that he and the ten soldiers with him were our men
-and asked if he did not recognize me as the Emperor’s physician. He
-tried to evade me, pointing to a staircase leading to the roof of the
-convent, and saying, ‘Your blankets are up there.’
-
-“Still in the dark as to the meaning of all this, and indignant at the
-unnecessary delay, I drew my revolver, whereupon the officer cried to
-the soldiers, ‘_Desarme lo!_’ (Disarm him!) I saw a row of bayonets
-pointed at me and heard the click of triggers and in a flash the whole
-thing was clear to me. Any attempt at resistance would have been
-madness, so, escorted by the officer and his squad, I mounted the steps
-to the convent roof, which to my amazement I found crowded with
-republican troops. ‘You are my prisoner!’ said the officer, now speaking
-for the first time. ‘So I see!’ was my angry rejoinder. My revolver was
-then taken away from me, and Perez, for such was the officer’s name,
-began to search my pockets with a dexterity that proved him no novice in
-the business. Naturally the well-filled money belt did not escape his
-deft fingers, nor my watch which I had with me, and this unexpected
-booty caused him to treat me with more favor. In spite of the danger of
-the situation, I could not refrain from drawing out my surgical case,
-which had been overlooked, and, offering it to Perez, inquiring whether
-he would not like that also. This voluntary gift, however, he did not
-accept nor did he take my note-book. There being no bank notes in
-Mexico, paper naturally did not interest him as much as coin or
-valuables, and my papers were left undisturbed in my pocket. I was then
-taken to the tower where the Emperor had so often exposed himself to the
-enemy’s fire, and placed under the guard of two men.”
-
-So much for the physician’s experiences on that eventful night.
-Meanwhile, after telling Dr. Basch to get his pistol and follow him,
-Maximilian, accompanied by Prince Salm, General Castillo,
-Lieutenant-colonel Pradillo, and Secretary Blasio, went out into the
-courtyard. At the gates they found one of the enemy’s guards stationed,
-and standing near by were Colonel Lopez and Colonel José Rincon
-Gallardo. The latter, to whom the Emperor was well known, said to the
-guard: “Let them pass, they are civilians,” and Maximilian and his
-companions walked out unmolested. From La Cruz they made their way to
-Miramon’s headquarters on the Cerro de la Campaña, several other
-officers joining them on the way. The lines everywhere were already in
-the possession of the enemy and even the small body of cavalry they
-found assembled at the foot of the hill soon melted away, going over to
-the enemy little by little as their fears overcame them. Turning to
-Mejia, the Emperor asked if there was no possibility of breaking through
-with a few faithful followers, but Mejia sadly replied in the negative,
-saying any such attempt would be useless. Resigning himself to his fate,
-therefore, Maximilian ordered the white flag hoisted and a few moments
-later surrendered his sword to a republican officer who galloped up. The
-Emperor was a prisoner.
-
-That afternoon at four o’clock Escobedo sent the following telegram to
-the Juarist minister of war in Potosi:
-
-“At three o’clock this morning our troops captured the convent La Cruz.
-The garrison were taken prisoners, part of the enemy’s troops having
-retreated to Cerro de la Campaña in great disorder and under fire from
-our artillery. About eight this morning Maximilian with his generals
-Mejia and Castillo surrendered at discretion. I beg to offer the
-President my congratulations on this great triumph of the national arms.
-
- Mariano Escobedo.”
-
-A mighty triumph, indeed, for fifty thousand men to conquer a garrison
-of five thousand, exhausted by famine and disease, and that only by an
-act of treachery!
-
-As to the manner and conditions of Lopez’ betrayal, accounts vary. He is
-said to have been promised as much as ten thousand piastres by Escobedo.
-His accomplice in the plot was a certain Anton Jablonski, but the whole
-affair was managed with such adroitness that not one of the Emperor’s
-friends had a suspicion of it. Lopez afterward published an emphatic
-denial of the accusation, which was supported by Escobedo and in which
-he had the audacity to appeal to Prince Salm for confirmation. The
-latter’s reply, written during his imprisonment and after Maximilian’s
-death, leaves nothing to be desired in the way of plain speaking. It
-runs in part as follows:
-
-“To Miguel Lopez, former imperial Mexican colonel and author of the
-article entitled ‘The Capture of Querétaro’:
-
-“In this defence, addressed by you to your countrymen, to France, and to
-the world at large, you appeal to me as witness that Querétaro did not
-fall by treachery and maintain that your statements bear the stamp of
-perfect truth. Although I, as you know, have been a prisoner of war for
-five months, my sense of justice will no longer allow me to be silent,
-for I can prove their utter falsity. You publicly declare that Querétaro
-was captured by force of arms; that the Emperor commissioned you on the
-night of the fourteenth of May to negotiate with the enemy, his troops
-being completely demoralized and all hope of escape abandoned; and you
-dare any who maintain that Querétaro fell by treachery to appear and
-dispute your assertions. I accept your challenge, therefore, and before
-the world proclaim you a traitor with the blood of your former sovereign
-and benefactor on your hands. It is not true that the Emperor
-commissioned you to negotiate with the enemy. I had the honor of
-conversing with His Majesty that night, after you had left him, and he
-had not then or at any other time the faintest idea of treating with the
-republicans. If his army was small, it was still brave and loyal enough
-to have fought a way out through the enemy’s lines for its beloved
-sovereign, to whose character, as you well know, such a course as you
-describe would have been utterly foreign. This being the case, permit
-me, Senor Lopez, to ask you a few questions before the world.
-
-“Why, if you had been ordered to enter the enemy’s lines, did you return
-about two o’clock with a republican officer of high rank and bring him
-into La Cruz, the Emperor’s headquarters? Why did you, contrary to the
-Emperor’s wishes, and without my knowledge, order the Hungarian hussars
-to unsaddle, when I had already given them the Emperor’s commands to
-remain saddled all night? Why, at such a dangerous time, did you remove
-from the Emperor’s headquarters the guard upon whom the safety of La
-Cruz depended? Why were the eight guns which stood on the square in
-front of the convent turned with their muzzles toward the city? Why, at
-two o’clock in the morning, did you take this republican general,
-dressed as a civilian and armed with a revolver, all through our
-fortifications? Why did you leave our lines before four o’clock that
-morning, still with this same officer, and return in a quarter of an
-hour at the head of two of the enemy’s battalions and lead them into the
-inner court of La Cruz, where you were met by your accomplice,
-Lieutenant Jablonski? How did it happen that you and Jablonski, both
-supposedly prisoners, should have informed the Emperor of the enemy’s
-presence in La Cruz? How do you explain the fact that when His Majesty,
-with General Castillo and myself, were about to leave the convent, then
-already surrounded by the enemy, we were allowed at a word from you to
-pass as civilians, although the Emperor must have been already
-recognized and General Castillo and I were in full uniform? How was it
-that after our capture some of the republican officers named you as the
-traitor? How did it happen that you, a prisoner, were always at liberty?
-And, finally, how were you able to possess yourself of the imperial
-papers and various articles belonging to His Majesty, such as his silver
-toilet service, which, by the way, have never appeared again?
-
-“To all of this, Señor Miguel Lopez, you cannot honestly and honorably
-reply; the facts speak for themselves and proclaim you both traitor and
-murderer. Why did you betray your Emperor and benefactor? Because, in
-the first place, you wished to be revenged on him for withholding from
-you the General’s commission which he had already signed. In case you
-should not know his reason for this, then learn now that it was because
-a brave man, whose blood is also on your hands and whose name I will not
-mention, lest you take revenge on those he has left behind, had
-presented to His Majesty a private document dismissing you from the army
-for infamous conduct during Santa Anna’s presidency and forbidding your
-ever holding a government office again.
-
-“And, secondly, Señor Lopez, you were moved by fear. Seeing that
-something decisive must soon occur and fearing, in case of our defeat,
-for your future and for your life, you hoped by this shameful treachery
-to clear your past account with the republicans, as indeed you did. Your
-third attempt at treason failed, for a short time after the Emperor had
-been made prisoner, finding your hopes disappointed, you sent a person
-known to us both to him with offers to betray your new confederates. In
-my presence this person attempted to pave the way for you to approach
-the Emperor, overtures that were naturally rejected with contempt. A man
-may choose his own course in life, but he must be true to his
-principles. You have not only been false to yours but have also
-committed the most infamous of all crimes—that of treason—and broken the
-oath you took to the imperial cause. The name of Miguel Lopez may become
-famous, no doubt, but it will never be mentioned in the annals of Mexico
-or of the world save with deepest abhorrence and contempt.”
-
-
-
-
- Chapter XVI
- The Emperor’s Imprisonment
-
-
-After Maximilian had surrendered his sword to the republican commander
-on the Cerro de la Campaña he was taken back to his old quarters at the
-convent, his physician and two attendants, Grill and Severo, being
-allowed to join him later.
-
-“It was with a heavy heart,” writes Dr. Basch, “that I approached the
-Emperor’s door, before which a guard was posted. I opened it and paused
-a moment on the threshold to compose myself, but His Majesty came up at
-once and embraced me, weeping. Quickly controlling himself, however, he
-pressed my hand and turned away, sighing deeply. A mournful silence
-followed. Now for the first time I perceived that Salm, Blasio, Pachta,
-and Pradillo were also in the room. For a time the Emperor paced up and
-down, lost in thought, but at last he spoke, this time more calmly.
-
-“‘I am glad,’ he said, ‘that it all happened without more bloodshed.
-That much at least has been accomplished. I feared for you all.’
-
-“Although he had been so ill the night before, excitement had sustained
-him during the events that had since occurred. Now, however, the attack
-returned and he was forced to go to bed suffering greatly. Having, in
-our present situation, no remedies at hand to relieve his distress, I
-was greatly surprised when the Emperor produced a small box of pills
-which I had given him the night before. ‘You see,’ he declared, ‘how
-important it is not to lose one’s presence of mind. This morning when we
-were surprised I remembered to put this in my pocket.’”
-
-Maximilian’s room had been completely rifled during his absence.
-Personal effects, books, clothing, and documents all had disappeared,
-having been appropriated by Lopez as souvenirs of his former benefactor.
-During the forenoon the Emperor was visited by several of the republican
-officers, among whom was Colonel José Gallardo, who had permitted him to
-leave La Cruz the preceding night—a mistaken kindness, as it proved, for
-Maximilian, in consequence, had been arrested in arms and thereby made
-himself liable to that fatal decree of October third, which he had tried
-to revoke on his way to Orizaba.
-
-Most of the imperial generals who had remained loyal were confined in a
-room adjoining the Emperor’s. Mendez remained in hiding, but, his plan
-of concealment being betrayed a few days later, he was taken out and
-shot. Miramon had been shot in the face with a revolver by one of his
-own adjutants while attempting to rally his troops on the Cerro, the
-morning of the surrender, and was at his own quarters. The prisoners
-were treated with scant consideration. A rich merchant of the town
-supplied Maximilian’s table, with the remains from which his companions
-were obliged to content themselves. The Emperor soon grew so much worse
-that his physician became alarmed and asked that one of the republican
-army surgeons might be called in. Dr. Riva de Nejra was sent to visit
-the august prisoner and advised a change of residence, declaring the
-present one most unfit in his condition of health.
-
-On the morning of the seventeenth, therefore, Maximilian was taken to
-the former convent, Santa Teresa, in a carriage, guarded by a troop of
-cavalry, his companions being forced to walk. As they passed through the
-city, the streets were deserted, the inhabitants considerately retiring
-into their houses, the windows of which even were closed. Not a soul was
-to be seen anywhere. The new quarters of the prisoners consisted of two
-large rooms, absolutely bare and empty. After some trouble a bed and
-chairs were procured for the Emperor’s use, while the others were left
-to make themselves comfortable on the floor of the adjoining apartment.
-Fortunately they managed to obtain some saddle blankets to sleep on and
-the Emperor sent out and bought coverings, combs, brushes, and soap.
-
-“These republicans,” says Dr. Basch, “seem convinced they are treating
-us with the greatest care and magnanimity, their idea of humanity being
-apparently to permit us to breathe. Unless we can wait on ourselves we
-must go hungry and dirty.”
-
-In spite of these hardships, however, the change made a perceptible
-improvement in Maximilian’s health, and his painful symptoms gradually
-disappeared. Juarez’ delay in taking any action in regard to the fate of
-the prisoners encouraged the Emperor’s friends to expect a favorable
-outcome of the affair—a hope that was rudely dispelled, however, when
-the Princess Salm arrived at Querétaro on the twentieth of May and
-revealed to her husband the danger in which Maximilian really stood. It
-was apparent even to the republicans that Juarez was determined to have
-his life. The Princess made the most heroic efforts to save him,
-shrinking from no dangers and no exertion in his behalf, but all in
-vain. The Emperor’s guard was not always strictly kept, and had not
-treachery lurked at every turn, his escape might have been effected.
-Such an attempt was finally made, indeed, but it was then too late.
-
-On the twenty-second of May Maximilian was again transferred, this time
-to the Capuchin monastery, with Prince Salm and Generals Mejia and
-Miramon. The other officers, Dr. Basch, and the Emperor’s servants were
-left behind, expecting to follow shortly. As hour after hour passed,
-however, and no one came, feeling that anything was possible in this
-barbarous country, they were seized with the fear that Maximilian and
-his companions might have been already shot without any warning. At
-last, however, an officer appeared, about eight o’clock in the evening,
-with the long-looked-for orders.
-
-“The first person I saw in the monastery,” relates Dr. Basch, “was Salm.
-‘Where is the Emperor?’ I asked.
-
-“‘His Majesty is in the crypt,’ he replied, but quickly added, seeing my
-horror at these words, ‘Calm yourself, he is alive, but really in the
-crypt. I will take you to him.’
-
-“As the door was opened a rush of cold air greeted me, rank with
-dampness and decay. In the far corner of a huge vault, the burial-place
-of the monastery, was a bed, and on it lay the Emperor reading Cæsar. A
-small table beside him held a lighted candle. ‘They have not had time to
-prepare a room for me,’ he remarked, smiling quietly, ‘so I am obliged
-temporarily to take up my abode with the dead.’ I spent that night in
-the crypt alone with the Emperor, making my bed on a large slab
-apparently used as a bier, but after the hours of anxiety I had endured
-that afternoon, I had no trouble in sleeping even amid those
-surroundings.”
-
-Bitter as Juarez was against Maximilian, he was not in Querétaro at this
-time, but at Potosi, and therefore cannot be held responsible for the
-atrocious treatment accorded the unfortunate Emperor, whose calm and
-cheerful acceptance of these indignities cannot but rouse the deepest
-admiration.
-
-The next day he was taken from the crypt and lodged in a dark narrow
-cell, similar to those assigned his companions in misfortune, all
-opening on a small court so that the prisoners could be easily guarded.
-It soon became evident that there was no hope of any compromise in the
-Emperor’s case. Juarez insisted that it should be decided by a Mexican
-court-martial—the outcome of which was a foregone conclusion.
-Maximilian’s death had already been determined upon and any trial would
-be merely a pretext to throw dust in the eyes of the world.
-
-Princess Salm, with the aid of a German merchant, named Stephen, and the
-vice-consul from Hamburg, made another attempt at rescue, which might
-have proved successful had not Maximilian refused to go without Miramon
-and Mejia, who were to be tried with him. Miramon appears to have
-revealed the plan to his wife, who, in turn, betrayed it to the enemy,
-so it resulted in only stricter measures. All the prisoners were removed
-from the Capuchin monastery with the exception of Maximilian and his two
-generals, over whom a much stronger guard was placed.
-
-On the twelfth of June, 1867, General Escobedo issued an order
-arraigning Ferdinand Maximilian, Archduke of Austria, and his
-confederates, the “so-called” generals, Don Miguel Miramon and Don Tomas
-Mejia, before a court-martial to answer for crimes against the nation
-and against law and order. The charges against Maximilian were thirteen
-in number, an absurd and incongruous medley, the chief of which were
-that he had broken his personal guarantees; that he had served as an
-instrument of the French; and that he had assumed the position of a
-usurper and authorized atrocities of every description, such as the
-decree of October 3, 1865.
-
-The trial opened at eight o’clock on the morning of June thirteenth in
-the Iturbide theatre, the interior of which was brilliantly illuminated,
-the galleries filled with spectators, all of whom displayed the deepest
-interest in the proceedings. At the right sat the judges, consisting of
-a lieutenant-colonel and six captains, all very young and selected with
-little or no regard for the important questions involved. Opposite them
-were placed the benches for the accused and their advocates, Generals
-Mejia and Miramon arriving at the theatre about nine in a carriage under
-a strong guard.
-
-The president opened the session, and the attorney for the government,
-Manuel Aspiroz, read the charges, together with the Emperor’s protest
-against this form of trial and the legality of all steps taken against
-his person under the law of January 25, 1862, which was intended for
-native rebels and not applicable to him as a foreigner. Lastly, medical
-evidence in regard to the Emperor’s condition of health was produced,
-with a petition for more healthful accommodations.
-
-General Mejia was first summoned to answer before this tribunal, and his
-advocate, Vega, made a brilliant speech in his defence, dwelling on his
-bravery and loyalty as well as the distinguished services he had
-rendered to his native land. Miramon’s attorneys, Jauregui and Moreno,
-employed the same line of argument.
-
-Maximilian did not appear in person before the court. He was defended by
-two of the foremost lawyers in Mexico, Vazquez and Ortega, both
-distinguished for learning and eloquence. They directed their main
-arguments against the competency of such a court for the case.
-Maximilian was not a usurper, as charged, declared Vazquez, for he had
-come by invitation of a representative council, confirmed by popular
-vote. He had refused, in fact, to accept the crown until such vote had
-been assured. Whether this had been given fraudulently, he, as a
-foreigner on the other side of the ocean, had no means of discovering,
-nor had he any reason to regard himself as other than a legitimate
-sovereign—the ovation accorded him on his arrival naturally tending to
-strengthen him in this conviction. He had brought no troops but came
-peaceably, accompanied only by his household. Neither had he served as a
-tool for the French, for from the very first he had striven against
-their interference; the constant friction between him and the French
-commanders having finally led to the withdrawal of the French troops.
-
-Ortega protested vigorously against the imputation of Maximilian’s
-cruelty. The severe decree of October 3, 1865, was issued on the advice
-of his ministry and in the belief that Juarez had abandoned Mexican
-territory. Its object had been chiefly to intimidate, for no man ever
-sued in vain for mercy from Maximilian, whose clemency and magnanimity
-were well known. He concluded with an appeal to the honor and sympathy
-of the republicans, urging them not to abuse their victory and stain
-their laurels with a bloody and useless execution.
-
-But his defenders’ brilliant eloquence was powerless to save Maximilian.
-His sentence had been fixed long since. The whole trial was the merest
-farce, a spectacle prepared by Juarez and his friends. It was most
-fitting that a theatre should have been chosen for its performance!
-
-The public session of the court ended on the fourteenth of June. At
-eleven o’clock that night the Emperor Maximilian and his two generals
-were unanimously pronounced guilty and condemned to be shot, Escobedo
-confirming the sentence on the sixteenth and ordering the execution to
-take place that afternoon at three o’clock.
-
-Mexico was now completely in the hands of the Juarists, with the
-exception of Vera Cruz and the capital, where Marquez was playing a
-singular game and needlessly sacrificing the Emperor’s brave Austrians.
-With the downfall of the imperial cause, however, this scoundrel passes
-out of our history. Once, during his imprisonment, Maximilian said to
-his physician: “If both Marquez and Lopez were given to me to deal with
-as I chose, I would free the coward Lopez, but Marquez, the cold-blooded
-and deliberate traitor, I would hang.”
-
-
-
-
- Chapter XVII
- Death of Maximilian and his Generals
-
-
-The news that the Emperor and his two generals, Mejia and Miramon, had
-been sentenced to death, aroused widespread sympathy and Juarez was
-besieged with petitions for mercy, even Garibaldi, who certainly was no
-friend to the house of Hapsburg, being among the pleaders. The Prussian
-ambassador, Baron von Magnus, hastened to Potosi to intercede personally
-in behalf of Maximilian, and used every effort to secure a pardon, but
-in vain. All that he was able to obtain was a reprieve of two days, the
-execution of the sentence being postponed till seven o’clock on the
-morning of the nineteenth.
-
- [Illustration: _LAST MOMENTS OF EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN_]
-
-Prince Salm being still a prisoner and powerless to act, his wife made
-one last desperate attempt to bring about the Emperor’s escape by
-flight, but again the plan was frustrated by the fatal treachery that
-seemed to pursue Maximilian at every turn in Mexico. The Princess Salm
-was put into a carriage and sent out of Querétaro under a military
-guard, while all the diplomatic representatives were ordered by Escobedo
-to leave the city at two hours’ notice. Meanwhile the Emperor and his
-companions prepared for death. They received the sacrament from Father
-Soria and spent their last hours communing with the confessors who were
-to accompany them on their last journey. Maximilian, calm and serene as
-in happier days, conversed cheerfully with Dr. Basch and his lawyers,
-Ortega and Vazquez, who had come to bid him farewell. On parting with
-the physician he charged him to carry back to his friends and family in
-Vienna a report of the siege and of his last days.
-
-“Tell my mother,” he said, “that I have done my duty as a soldier and
-die a good Christian.”
-
-At three o’clock, the time originally set for the execution, all was
-ready for the last march to the Cerro de la Campaña. The officer in
-command of the firing squad begged for forgiveness with tears in his
-eyes, but the Emperor calmed him, saying: “You are a soldier and must
-obey your orders.” For a whole hour they waited for the summons, but
-none came. At last, about four o’clock, an officer arrived with the
-announcement that the execution had been postponed till the nineteenth,
-the order having only just arrived by wire from Potosi an hour before.
-
-“This is hard,” exclaimed Maximilian, “for I had already finished with
-the world.”
-
-He availed himself of the delay, however, to dictate several farewell
-letters to his physician, among them one of thanks to his captive
-officers for their loyalty and a touching appeal to his implacable
-enemy, Juarez, to prevent further bloodshed and let his death serve to
-promote the peace and welfare of his adopted country. Even now Baron von
-Magnus made one more effort to save the Emperor’s life. On the
-eighteenth of June he sent a telegram to the Juarist minister, Lerdo de
-Tejada, offering to secure guarantees from all the leading sovereigns of
-Europe that none of the three prisoners should ever again set foot on
-Mexican soil or disturb the country in any way. But Juarez was
-inexorable. In reply to the Baron’s despatch Minister Tejada stated that
-the President of the Republic was convinced that the cause of justice
-and the future peace of the country required the death of the prisoners.
-
-At last the fatal morning of Wednesday, June 19, 1867, dawned. At five
-o’clock Father Soria came to celebrate mass, and at half past six the
-republican officer who had charge of the execution arrived. The three
-prisoners, dressed in black, entered carriages, each with his confessor,
-and were driven slowly to the place of execution, which was surrounded
-by a guard of four thousand men. On alighting, the Emperor embraced his
-two companions, promising they should soon meet in another world, and
-then walked with dignity to the spot assigned at the foot of a hill in
-front of a shattered wall. Here he placed Miramon in the centre, saying,
-“A brave soldier is respected by his sovereign; permit me to yield you
-the place of honor.” Turning to Mejia, who had been unnerved by the
-sight of his wife running through the streets frantic with grief, he
-said: “General, what has not been rewarded on earth will certainly be in
-heaven.” After distributing some gold pieces among the soldiers who were
-to do the firing, he said in a firm voice: “May my blood be the last
-shed in sacrifice for this country, and if more is required, let it be
-for the good of the nation, never by treason.”
-
-The signal to fire was then given and the three fell simultaneously,
-Maximilian’s body pierced by six bullets. The Mexican Empire had ceased
-to exist, and the noble Hapsburger had laid down his life for the
-welfare of an ungrateful people.
-
-General Escobedo had promised the Emperor before his death that his body
-should be delivered to Baron von Magnus to be taken back to Europe, yet
-in spite of this the ambassador had much trouble in obtaining possession
-of it. He was ill himself for a time with fever and had to be taken to
-Potosi. After many delays, however, the remains were finally given into
-his custody on November twelfth and, attended by Vice-admiral von
-Tegetthof, his two adjutants, and Doctor Basch, were taken to Vera Cruz
-with a cavalry escort of one hundred men, and placed on board the
-_Novara_, the same vessel which but three years before had conveyed
-Maximilian to his adopted country and to his doom. On the fifteenth of
-January, 1868, the _Novara_ arrived at Trieste. A special train conveyed
-the coffin to Vienna, where, three days later, the body of Archduke
-Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria was buried in the imperial vault in the
-Capuchin church.
-
-
-
-
- Chapter XVIII
- Conclusion
-
-
-As there may be some curiosity as to the later history of those who so
-shamefully betrayed the Emperor Maximilian, a word as to their fate may
-not be amiss.
-
-His murderer, Juarez, proved himself unable to restore peace and
-tranquillity in the country. He attained his ambition, however, when he
-was again made President, and this sufficed for him. He did not long
-survive the victim of his cruelty and revenge, dying, in Mexico, July
-18, 1872. His friend, Escobedo, received from General Mejia his only son
-as a legacy—one that was to prove a constant reminder of his treachery.
-Twice the Juarist chief had owed his life to Mejia’s generosity, yet he
-had not hesitated in turn to sign the latter’s death-warrant.
-
-Napoleon Third’s subsequent career has passed into history. Losing
-battle after battle, and finally his throne, in the war of 1870, he
-surrendered his sword to King William First of Prussia on the second of
-September of that year and was taken to Wilhelmshöhe at Cassel as a
-prisoner of war, where he received very different treatment from that
-accorded the captive Emperor in Querétaro. After the conclusion of peace
-he retired to England, where he died at Chiselhurst.
-
-A yet more tragic fate befell Marshal François Achille Bazaine. During
-the Franco-Prussian War he was besieged in Metz by Prince Friedrich Karl
-and forced to surrender with about one hundred and seventy thousand men.
-He was taken to Cassel, where he shared Napoleon’s imprisonment. Accused
-by the French not only of cowardice and incapacity but also of treason,
-he was tried by court-martial and condemned to death. There being no
-bloodthirsty Juarez in France, however, the sentence was commuted to
-twenty years’ imprisonment on the Island of Sainte Marguerite, near
-Cannes. He succeeded in escaping, with the help of his wife, and fled to
-Madrid, where he lived in poverty and obscurity and died in 1888,
-forgotten by the world and deserted by his wife, who returned to her
-native Mexico.
-
-Marquez escaped from the city of Mexico, hiding the first night, it is
-said, in a coffin, and, continuing his flight at daylight toward the
-north, succeeded in reaching Texas. His subsequent history is unknown.
-After betraying the imperial army, Lopez prepared to enjoy the reward of
-his treason, but it was flatly refused him. Despised alike by friend and
-foe, and even by his own wife, he led a wretched existence, employing
-himself in vain attempts to vindicate his treachery.
-
- * * * * * * * *
-
-Doubtless Maximilian made many grave mistakes, but from the foregoing
-pages it is plain that both he and his wife went to Mexico with the
-noblest aims and full of enthusiasm for the mission, to the difficulties
-of which they finally succumbed. Yet the sacrifice was not wholly in
-vain, for the last struggle has served to embalm the memory of the
-Emperor Maximilian First of Mexico as a brave and chivalrous prince,
-while that of his enemies is held in merited contempt.
-
-On the spot where Maximilian and his two generals so gallantly met their
-fate on the nineteenth of June, 1867, a memorial chapel has been
-erected, to which throngs of Mexicans of all classes annually make a
-pilgrimage on the anniversary of that day, as indeed they did
-previously, when only a simple gravestone marked the place of death.
-
-
-
-
- Appendix
-
-
-The following is a chronological statement of important events connected
-with Maximilian:
-
- 1832 Birth of Maximilian.
- 1850-57 Marine service.
- 1857 Marriage to Carlotta.
- 1859 Retires to Miramar.
- 1863 Mexican Embassy visits Miramar.
- 1864 Coronation ceremony.
- 1864 Arrival in Mexico.
- 1865 Revolutionary uprisings.
- 1866 The Empress goes to Europe.
- 1867 Departure of the French.
- 1867 Downfall of the Mexican Empire.
- 1867 Execution of Maximilian.
-
-
-
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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Maximilian in Mexico, by J. Kemper
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-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
-almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
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-Title: Maximilian in Mexico
- Life Stories for Young People
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-Author: J. Kemper
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-Editor: George P. Upton
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-Release Date: June 22, 2020 [EBook #62449]
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-Language: English
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-</div>
-<div class="img" id="pic1">
-<img src="images/p0.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="691" />
-<p class="caption"><i>EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN</i></p>
-</div>
-<div class="box">
-<p class="center"><i><span class="sc">Life Stories for Young People</span></i></p>
-<h1>Maximilian in Mexico</h1>
-<p class="center"><span class="large"><i>Translated from the German of
-<br />J. Kemper</i></span></p>
-<p class="center"><span class="small">BY</span>
-<br /><span class="large">GEORGE P. UPTON</span>
-<br /><span class="small"><i>Translator of &ldquo;Memories,&rdquo; &ldquo;Immensee,&rdquo; etc.</i></span></p>
-<p class="center"><span class="smaller">WITH THREE ILLUSTRATIONS</span></p>
-<div class="img">
-<img src="images/p1.jpg" alt="A. C. McCLURG &amp; CO." width="200" height="199" />
-</div>
-<p class="center">CHICAGO
-<br />A. C. McCLURG &amp; CO.
-<br />1911</p>
-</div>
-<p class="center small"><span class="sc">Copyright
-<br />A. C. McClurg &amp; Co.</span>
-<br />1911
-<br />Published September, 1911</p>
-<p class="center smaller">THE &middot; PLIMPTON &middot; PRESS
-<br />[W&middot;D&middot;O]
-<br />NORWOOD &middot; MASS &middot; U&middot;S&middot;A</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_v">v</div>
-<h2>Translator&rsquo;s Preface</h2>
-<p>The life story of Maximilian First in Mexico
-is one of the saddest of tragedies. Admitting
-that he was in some respects a weak
-sovereign and incompetent for the task he undertook,
-the tragedy is none the less sad. The dreadful
-fate which overtook the Empress Carlotta only adds
-to the gloom of the situation, and, if all reports are
-true, serves to emphasize Mexican cruelty and
-treachery, for in official circles it is generally believed
-she was made insane by a poisonous herb secretly
-mixed with her drink. Maximilian himself was a
-gentleman in the best sense of the term, gentle,
-courteous, refined, and scholarly; unfitted for the
-position he held, inexperienced in political matters,
-and ignorant how to contend with guile and treachery
-of the basest kind. He was virtually forced to
-ascend the Mexican throne, and consented only when
-he was assured that the Mexican people had enthusiastically
-elected him. Once there, he found himself
-the victim of treacherous plots and deadly hatred.
-He had but few friends upon whom he could rely,
-and they were unable to aid him in the hour of
-greatest danger. Louis Napoleon, who was chiefly
-instrumental in sending him there, violated his
-agreements, withdrew the French troops from
-Mexico, and abandoned him as a prey to his vindictive
-enemies, at whose hands he died like a gentleman
-and a hero, leaving the Empress to suffer
-the tortures of living death in a European asylum.
-History recalls few sadder tragedies than the one
-contained in the story of Maximilian&rsquo;s three years
-in Mexico.</p>
-<p><span class="jr">G. P. U.</span></p>
-<p><span class="small"><span class="sc">Chicago</span>, <i>May, 1911</i></span></p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_vii">vii</div>
-<h2>Contents</h2>
-<dl class="toc">
-<dt class="jr"><span class="jl"><span class="sc">Chapter</span></span> <span class="small"><span class="sc">Page</span></span></dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">I </span><a href="#c1"><span class="sc">Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian</span></a> 11</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">II </span><a href="#c2"><span class="sc">The Mexican Empire</span></a> 15</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">III </span><a href="#c3"><span class="sc">Arrival of the Emperor in Mexico</span></a> 24</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">IV </span><a href="#c4"><span class="sc">Maximilian&rsquo;s First Measures</span></a> 28</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">V </span><a href="#c5"><span class="sc">Church Affairs in Mexico</span></a> 37</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">VI </span><a href="#c6"><span class="sc">Enemies Within and Without</span></a> 40</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">VII </span><a href="#c7"><span class="sc">Bazaine&rsquo;s Position in Mexico</span></a> 44</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">VIII </span><a href="#c8"><span class="sc">Fruits of the New Government</span></a> 48</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">IX </span><a href="#c9"><span class="sc">Louis Napoleon&rsquo;s Attitude</span></a> 52</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">X </span><a href="#c10"><span class="sc">The Empress&rsquo; Journey to Europe</span></a> 56</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">XI </span><a href="#c11"><span class="sc">Events in Mexico After the Departure of the Empress</span></a> 62</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">XII </span><a href="#c12"><span class="sc">The Emperor at Orizaba</span></a> 73</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">XIII </span><a href="#c13"><span class="sc">Departure of the French</span></a> 79</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">XIV </span><a href="#c14"><span class="sc">The Siege of Quer&eacute;taro</span></a> 86</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">XV </span><a href="#c15"><span class="sc">Downfall of the Mexican Empire</span></a> 99</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">XVI </span><a href="#c16"><span class="sc">The Emperor&rsquo;s Imprisonment</span></a> 113</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">XVII </span><a href="#c17"><span class="sc">Death of Maximilian and His Generals</span></a> 124</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">XVIII </span><a href="#c18"><span class="sc">Conclusion</span></a> 129</dt>
-<dt><span class="cn">&nbsp; </span><a href="#c19"><span class="sc">Appendix</span></a> 133</dt>
-</dl>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_ix">ix</div>
-<h2>Illustrations</h2>
-<dl class="toc">
-<dt class="jr"><span class="small"><span class="sc">Page</span></span></dt>
-<dt><a href="#pic1">Emperor Maximilian</a><i>Frontispiece</i></dt>
-<dt><a href="#pic2">Empress Carlotta</a>56</dt>
-<dt><a href="#pic3">Last Moments of Emperor Maximilian</a>124</dt>
-</dl>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_11">11</div>
-<h2>Maximilian in Mexico</h2>
-<h2 id="c1"><span class="h2line1">Chapter I</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian</span></h2>
-<p>Ferdinand Maximilian, born at Sch&ouml;nbrunn
-on the sixth of July, 1832, was the
-second son of Archduke Charles of Austria
-and the Archduchess Sophie of Bavaria, a clever
-and highly cultivated princess, under whose personal
-supervision the young Archduke received a
-careful and thorough education, in which Count
-Bombelles, whose son afterward accompanied Maximilian
-to Mexico, also had an important share.</p>
-<p>From early childhood the prince showed that
-marked love of nature, and especially of the sea,
-which was so characteristic of his later years and
-which made his education for the navy&mdash;his destined
-career&mdash;an easy and pleasant task. To this
-chosen profession, indeed, he applied himself with
-such zeal and devotion that he may be regarded
-as the real founder of the Austrian navy.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div>
-<p>His leisure hours were devoted to the study of
-the fine arts and to the practice of all sorts of athletic
-pursuits, in which he excelled, being tall and
-well built, and quick and elastic in all his motions.</p>
-<p>In 1850, upon the completion of his scientific
-studies, he made his first long cruise, to Greece and
-Smyrna, followed by voyages to Spain, Portugal, and
-Algiers. In 1853 he was made captain of a corvette,
-and a year later received the appointment of commander-in-chief
-of the navy, soon after which,
-escorted by a squadron of seventeen warships, he
-visited Greece, Crete, Egypt, and Palestine.</p>
-<p>The years 1856-57 were spent chiefly in European
-travel, during which time the Archduke made the
-acquaintance of his future wife, the Princess Carlotta,
-daughter of King Leopold Second of Belgium,
-to whom he was married in 1857 and who proved so
-loyal and devoted a companion in joy and sorrow
-until overtaken by the tragic fate of which we shall
-hear later. Soon after his marriage, Maximilian,
-then only in his twenty-fifth year, was made governor-general
-of the Lombardo-Venetian kingdom
-by his brother, the Emperor Francis Joseph of
-Austria&mdash;an office which he held for two years,
-and which served in some measure as a preparation
-for his subsequent mission in Mexico for, as governor-general,
-he had many difficulties to contend
-with, even though they were of quite a different
-nature from those that afterward confronted him
-in America.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_13">13</div>
-<p>The war that broke out in 1859 between Italy
-and Austria put an end to Maximilian&rsquo;s political
-career and he retired to the seclusion of Miramar,
-the beautiful palace erected at Trieste some years
-before. Here he lived quietly and peacefully, occupied
-with his favorite literary and artistic pursuits,
-and it was here that he wrote the &ldquo;Sketches of
-Travel,&rdquo; afterward published; also the &ldquo;Aphorisms,&rdquo;
-which speak the thoughts and aspirations of a great
-soul.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div>
-<p>Maximilian has been called weak and irresolute,
-and in fact he did prove hopelessly unequal to the
-task that was set for him in Mexico&mdash;a task far
-less suited to his gentle, kindly nature than to the
-bolder character of his rival, Juarez, a man of
-quite another stamp, who hesitated at no means to
-attain his ends and for whom the high-minded
-Hapsburger was no match. That Maximilian made
-many grave errors cannot be denied, but his entire
-administration should not be condemned for that
-reason. It is certain that he was inspired by the
-noblest aims and intentions, and had the Mexicans
-but realized this and given him their loyal support
-his plans might have been realized and ensured both
-the country&rsquo;s welfare and his own.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div>
-<h2 id="c2"><span class="h2line1">Chapter II</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">The Mexican Empire</span></h2>
-<p>During the Archduke&rsquo;s travels, in 1856, he
-had visited Paris and spent twelve days at
-St. Cloud with Napoleon Third and Eug&eacute;nie.
-He became much interested in the Emperor&rsquo;s
-ambitious schemes, while Napoleon and his wife on
-their part were so pleased with Maximilian&rsquo;s frank
-and manly character that by the time he took his
-departure the French sovereigns had already made
-plans for the future of their guest, the situation in
-Mexico offering a favorable opportunity.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div>
-<p>The better class of Mexicans were anxious for a
-strong hand to assume the reins of government and
-restore order to that distracted and wellnigh ruined
-land, and as Napoleon Third was then in control of
-affairs there, it was an easy matter for him to arouse
-the interest of the Mexicans in the young Archduke
-as their prospective ruler. The throne of Mexico
-therefore was duly offered to Maximilian, but he
-was at first unwilling to accept it. Fully acquainted
-with the disordered state of that country, there was
-little temptation for him to exchange the peaceful
-seclusion of Miramar for so doubtful a gift. Negotiations
-were carried on for eight months between
-Paris and Miramar before the Archduke would consent
-to accept the crown. At length, however, he
-agreed on condition that both France and England
-would guarantee their support in this enterprise.
-Further delays were caused by discussions between
-France, Spain, and England, but not until England
-and Spain had finally yielded and withdrawn all
-their troops from Mexico did Napoleon fully realize
-the complications of the situation there.</p>
-<p>Meanwhile Maximilian at Miramar became devoted
-to the idea of being Emperor of Mexico, being
-principally actuated by the fact that his wife would
-be an Empress. Both applied themselves closely to
-the study not only of the geography but of the
-language and customs of the country, actively corresponding
-at the same time with those who might
-be able to exert an influence upon the destinies of
-Mexico.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_17">17</div>
-<p>The first public negotiations were conducted in
-person by Napoleon Third and the Emperor Francis
-Joseph of Austria, the latter of whom sent his
-minister, Count Rechberg, to Miramar to discuss
-the matter with his brother Maximilian. Both the
-Archduke and his wife attached great weight to the
-opinion of her father, King Leopold, who was well
-known as a shrewd and clear-headed thinker. He
-pointed out plainly the dangers and difficulties
-attendant on assuming the sovereignty of Mexico,
-but did not regard them as insurmountable, and his
-advice decided the question. Maximilian announced
-himself ready to accept the throne on certain conditions,
-the chief of which was that his choice
-as Emperor should be confirmed by a vote of the
-Mexican people.</p>
-<p>On the third of October, 1863, an embassy from
-Mexico arrived at Miramar with a formal offer of
-the crown. It was headed by Don Gutierrez de
-Estrada, who had labored for twenty years to restore
-a monarchy in Mexico. Maximilian&rsquo;s reply was as
-follows:</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_18">18</div>
-<p>&ldquo;I am deeply moved by the wishes of the Mexican
-assembly. It is most flattering to our house that their
-choice should have fallen on a descendant of Charles
-the Fifth. Yet noble and lofty a mission as it is
-to establish the welfare and independence of Mexico,
-I agree with the Emperor Napoleon that the monarchy
-can be restored on a firm and stable basis only
-by the free consent of the people. My acceptance
-must therefore be conditional on that. On the other
-hand, it shall be my duty to secure the guarantees
-necessary to protect Mexico against the dangers
-that menace her honor and her liberties. If I succeed
-in this and the vote of the people be in my
-favor, then I shall be ready, with the consent of my
-imperial brother, to accept the crown. Should
-Providence call me to this high mission, it is my
-firm intention, after the pacification of the country,
-to open the way for progress by granting a constitution
-and to make this fundamental law permanent
-by an oath. Only in this way can a new and truly
-national policy be created, by means of which all
-parties, forgetting their differences, may work with
-me to lift Mexico to an eminent place among the
-nations. Bring me this declaration, then, on the part
-of your fellow-citizens and, if possible, ascertain what
-form of government they desire.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>This was a frank and manly answer, and no doubt
-the emissaries of the Mexican people who carried it
-back across the Atlantic were equally honorable in
-their intentions. How the vote was really obtained,
-however, is told us by Montlong:</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div>
-<p>At Monterey the French general, Jeanningres,
-summoned the most influential citizens and addressed
-them thus: &ldquo;The Emperor of the French, always
-solicitous for the welfare of this unhappy country, has
-determined to transform the Mexican republic into
-a great and prosperous empire, and in the interests
-of this undertaking has chosen for your Emperor
-one of the most liberal and enlightened princes in
-Europe, the Archduke Maximilian of Austria. But
-as Napoleon wishes him to be elected by general
-consent of the people I have summoned you here in
-order to receive your votes.&rdquo; Then with a threatening
-glance he added: &ldquo;You accept, do you not,
-gentlemen, the prince chosen for you by the Emperor
-Napoleon?&rdquo;</p>
-<p>Intimidated by the General&rsquo;s manner and the
-ranks of soldiery behind him, all replied in
-the affirmative, whereupon Jeanningres, addressing
-the general staff officer who was to record the votes,
-ordered him: &ldquo;Write, sir, that this city votes unanimously
-for the Empire, and permit these gentlemen
-to sign it.&rdquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_20">20</div>
-<p>The same method of procedure was enacted in
-every town. When the principal citizens of Potosi
-refused to sign a similar document, the officer in
-command caused them all to be imprisoned for
-thirty-six hours till hunger forced them to yield.
-Thus by fraud the Empire was founded, as by
-treachery it fell, both marked characteristics of this
-nation as we shall see later.</p>
-<p>The way now seemed clear, but at the last moment
-an unforeseen difficulty arose. While the Archduke
-was making a round of farewell visits at various
-European courts, it was decided at Vienna to demand
-a renunciation of all rights of succession to the throne
-of Austria on the part of Maximilian and his possible
-descendants. Emperor Francis Joseph strongly opposed
-this, justly maintaining that if such a step
-were considered necessary, it should not have been
-deferred till the last moment, but Count Rechberg
-and Baron Lichtenfels were firm. The former undertook
-to lay the matter before the Archduke on his
-return, but was so coldly received that he abandoned
-any further attempt, while Maximilian himself
-declared that had this point been presented to
-him earlier, negotiations with Mexico would have
-been broken off at once. This, of course, was now out
-of the question, and after much discussion he finally
-agreed to sign the act of renunciation, thus removing
-the last obstacle.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_21">21</div>
-<p>On the tenth of April, 1864, a second embassy,
-consisting of twenty distinguished Mexicans, again
-headed by Estrada, arrived at Miramar to perform
-the coronation ceremony. In his address, spoken
-in French, Don Gutierrez alluded, first of all, to the
-gratifying result of the popular vote. As to the
-method by which it had been secured the good man
-probably had as little knowledge as Maximilian himself.
-He then recalled France&rsquo;s service to his native
-country, whose future prosperity he hoped would be
-assured under the new monarchy. Mexico gratefully
-acknowledged the Archduke&rsquo;s self-sacrifice in
-accepting this difficult position and was ready to
-hail with joy her chosen sovereign, whose motto
-was, <i>Justitia regnorum fundamentum</i>.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_22">22</div>
-<p>Maximilian&rsquo;s reply was in Spanish. He declared
-that since the two conditions required by him had
-been fulfilled, he was now able to redeem the promise
-given six months before and was ready to accept the
-offered crown. The oath was then administered.
-Maximilian swore to guard the liberties of the Mexican
-nation under all circumstances and to do all in
-his power for the welfare and prosperity of the
-people, after which Estrada swore allegiance in the
-name of Mexico and was decorated by his sovereign
-with the grand cross of the newly revived Guadeloupe
-order. A triple &ldquo;Viva&rdquo; followed to the new
-Emperor and Empress in whose honor the imperial
-Mexican flag was hoisted on the tower of Miramar,
-amidst salvos from batteries and battle ships. A
-solemn Te Deum in the palace chapel concluded the
-ceremonies.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_23">23</div>
-<p>On the same day the Emperor signed the important
-convention with Napoleon, known as the Treaty
-of Miramar, whereby it was agreed to reduce the
-French troops as soon as possible to 25,000, including
-the foreign legion. This body should evacuate
-the country as soon as forces could be organized to
-take their place, yet the foreign legion of 8000 was
-to remain, if required, for six years after the above
-withdrawal and be supported from this time by the
-Mexican government. The transport service for
-French military supplies must be paid by the same
-government with 400,000 francs for the round trip,
-likewise the cost of the French expedition, fixed at
-270,000,000 francs for the whole time, till July 1,
-1864, with interest at three per cent per annum.
-After this date the expenses of the Mexican army
-rested with Mexico, which had also to give 1000
-francs for the maintenance of each French soldier,
-pay included. Against these sums the Mexican
-government had to pay at once 66,000,000 francs in
-bonds of the late loan and 25,000,000 francs in
-specie annually. A mixed commission of three
-Frenchmen and three Mexicans was to meet at
-Mexico within three months to adjust the claims of
-French citizens. All Mexican prisoners of war held
-by the French were to be released as soon as Maximilian
-entered his States. In addition to this,
-there were three secret clauses, by utilizing which
-France afterward, and not without some show of
-reason, attempted to extricate herself from her dangerous
-position.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_24">24</div>
-<h2 id="c3"><span class="h2line1">Chapter III</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Arrival of the Emperor in Mexico</span></h2>
-<p>On the tenth of April, 1864, the die was cast
-for Archduke Maximilian and Carlotta. On
-the fourteenth, the day set for departure,
-all was bustle and confusion at Miramar, usually so
-peaceful. The harbor of Trieste was filled with
-vessels, large and small, and, anchored at some distance
-from shore, lay the <i>Novara</i>, the Austrian warship
-that was to convey the imperial pair to Mexico.
-Little did any one then suspect that this same
-vessel was so soon to bring back the body of Maximilian,
-cruelly murdered by Mexican rebels! To-day
-all was joyous anticipation. A gayly decorated
-barge carried the Emperor and Empress out to the
-<i>Novara</i>. Showers of blossoms were flung after them
-as they left the shore, lined with thousands of spectators,
-and floated gently out upon the blue waves
-of the Adriatic. Cannon thundered a farewell.
-Maximilian looked for the last time upon his native
-shores.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_25">25</div>
-<p>Two nights later the travellers rounded the southernmost
-point of Italy, and on the eighteenth
-reached Civita Vecchia where they landed and were
-met by the French and Italian ambassadors, envoys
-from Belgium and Austria, and the Cardinals sent
-by Pope Pius Ninth to welcome Maximilian. A special
-train was waiting to convey the entire party
-to Rome where, on the nineteenth of April, the
-Emperor had an audience with the Pope. Church
-affairs in Mexico had been completely demoralized
-by Juarez, and one of the Emperor&rsquo;s chief tasks was
-to restore order and provide for the religious needs
-of his people. The following day Pope Pius Ninth
-returned the visit at the Palazzo Marescotti, after
-which the imperial party returned to Civita Vecchia,
-where they again boarded the <i>Novara</i> and resumed
-their voyage. At Gibraltar another stop of two
-days was made, and on the twenty-eighth of May
-the <i>Novara</i> anchored before the city of Vera Cruz.
-The goal was reached&mdash;but what of Maximilian&rsquo;s
-reception by the people of Mexico who had chosen
-him as their sovereign by a unanimous vote?</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_26">26</div>
-<p>Although the French frigate <i>Themis</i>, which escorted
-the <i>Novara</i> across the Atlantic, had hastened
-on in advance to notify the city of the Emperor&rsquo;s
-arrival, there was no commotion in the harbor. No
-flags were flying, no guns roared a welcome, no one
-was waiting to receive him. A feeling of uneasiness
-pervaded the Emperor&rsquo;s household, but Maximilian
-himself made no comment. After a long delay
-the commander-in-chief of the French fleet, Rear-admiral
-Bosse, and his adjutant finally made their
-appearance, though even then, according to the
-Countess Kollowitz, their greeting was none too
-warm. Quite different, however, was the Emperor&rsquo;s
-reception in the towns between Vera Cruz and
-Mexico; his journey to the capital was like a triumphal progress.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_27">27</div>
-<p>Thus did Maximilian enter the land that was
-henceforth to claim his whole attention and best
-endeavor. For this indifferent and ungrateful people
-he had undertaken the Herculean task of regenerating
-a country wasted by forty years of civil warfare;
-regulating a society demoralized by anarchy; restoring
-national prosperity; reviving industries; and
-reconciling to law and order a people to whom outlawry
-and robbery had become second nature.
-The army must be reorganized, the land rid of
-marauders, contending factions appeased and made
-to work together for the common good. The Church
-must be placed once more on a settled basis, new
-channels of trade established, and the whole national
-standard of civilization raised. These were surely
-problems to daunt the bravest! Well may Maximilian
-have hesitated long before accepting such
-responsibilities, yet with heroic self-sacrifice the
-young Emperor set himself to this stupendous work.
-That he failed was no doubt due partly to his unfitness
-for the task, but more to the insuperable obstacles
-that loomed before and finally crushed the
-noble Hapsburger.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_28">28</div>
-<h2 id="c4"><span class="h2line1">Chapter IV</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Maximilian&rsquo;s First Measures</span></h2>
-<p>One of the first necessities that confronted
-Maximilian in the execution of his mission
-was the establishment of diplomatic relations
-with the world. The courts of Vienna, Rome,
-Paris, and Brussels had been informed at once of his
-acceptance of the throne of Mexico. It now remained
-to notify the remaining powers of this event.
-A decree was issued on the twenty-first of June,
-1864, empowering the foreign office to make the
-necessary arrangements. By the end of the year
-Mexico had been recognized as an Empire by Russia,
-Sweden, Turkey, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Italy,
-France, and England, also by the German Confederation
-and the Shah of Persia. Far more valuable to
-the new monarchy would have been its recognition
-by the United States, but the White House at Washington
-still looked upon Juarez as President of
-Mexico, as did its smaller and less important
-neighbors on the south, the republics of Guatemala,
-Honduras, Nicaragua, San Salvador, and Costa Rica.
-Thus the Empire was surrounded by hostile countries,
-while its only ally in America, the Emperor
-Don Pedro Second of Brazil, could be of little use.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_29">29</div>
-<p>Maximilian appointed the advocate Don Jos&eacute;
-Ramirez as minister of foreign affairs&mdash;a man concerning
-whom opinion is divided. There can be no
-question, however, as to his ability and his loyalty
-to Maximilian, to whom he proved a valuable counsellor,
-although the Emperor unfortunately did not
-always follow his advice. Maximilian took no further
-action in governmental affairs until he had
-gained a more intimate knowledge of the country.
-Though well versed in the language and history of
-Mexico as well as its political complications, he
-discovered at once the necessity of a personal
-acquaintance with the various portions of his new
-realm and determined to make a tour of those
-provinces loyal to him. Meanwhile he devoted
-himself to learning the needs of his people. With
-this object in view he spent much time walking
-about the streets of the capital or visiting various
-public and charitable institutions. The Empress
-was her husband&rsquo;s constant companion, sharing all
-his cares and interests, and although Maximilian did
-not always agree with her opinions, her clever pen,
-her quick wit, and cultivated mind often proved of
-great help to him.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_30">30</div>
-<p>He soon discovered many evils the existence of
-which he had not suspected. The Mexican is profuse
-in promises which are never kept, and Maximilian
-had daily proof of this national characteristic.
-In spite of his personal charm and kindness the
-French officers kept jealously aloof from him, regarding
-themselves as slighted in the distribution of
-orders. The clergy, disappointed that the Church
-property confiscated by Juarez had not been immediately
-restored to them, were dissatisfied with the
-new government, while the republicans under Juarez
-refused, of course, to acknowledge the Empire.</p>
-<p>The accusation made by these malcontents that
-Maximilian did not attempt to improve conditions
-was entirely unjustified, however. Few that followed
-his career realized how diligently and self-sacrificingly
-he labored for that end. That the
-restoration of order must be gradually accomplished
-was self-evident. Realizing that drastic measures
-were necessary at many points in the affairs of
-state, he was forced to take time for observation
-and investigation before attempting any change.
-Many evils had to be endured temporarily before
-any radical changes could be made, and he had also
-to consult the opinions of his advisers, whether in
-accordance with his own or not.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_31">31</div>
-<p>His first attention was devoted to the regulation
-of military and financial matters. A commission,
-headed by General Bazaine, commander-in-chief of
-the French troops, was appointed to meet on the
-fourteenth of July to consider the reorganization of
-the army. The relations between Maximilian and
-this officer had been none too friendly from the
-first. Bazaine considered himself his own master
-and troubled himself little as to the Emperor&rsquo;s
-views. In justice to Napoleon Third, however, it
-must be said that he seems to have been very imperfectly
-informed as to the actions and practices
-of his generals in Mexico. All correspondence with
-France had to pass through the hands of Bazaine
-or his subordinates, who could easily color reports
-to suit themselves. On the fifteenth of July a
-commission, presided over by Velasquez de Leon,
-and consisting of landed proprietors, merchants,
-manufacturers, and mine owners, met to discuss the
-regulation of financial affairs.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_32">32</div>
-<p>From the first Maximilian exerted himself to do
-away with antiquated customs, and as early as the
-sixteenth of July a decree was issued requiring all
-officers of justice to be at their posts from nine to
-twelve in the morning and shortening their annual
-leave of absence from three months to six weeks, an
-innovation that met with small favor from the
-Mexicans, as may be imagined.</p>
-<p>On the tenth of August the Emperor set out
-upon his tour into the interior, the government
-during his absence being left in charge of the Empress.
-He was accompanied by his life-long friend,
-Count Bombelles, his secretary, Iglesias, Privy Councillor
-Scherzenlechner, and the Lord Chamberlain
-Felipe Raygosa. Originally planned for four weeks,
-the journey extended over three months. A proclamation
-had been issued by Velasquez de Leon,
-shortly before the Emperor&rsquo;s departure, announcing
-his tour and forbidding any state receptions or entertainments
-in order to spare expense to the people,
-impoverished by years of civil strife. In spite of
-this prohibition, however, magnificent triumphal
-arches were erected in many places in honor of the
-Emperor, who was welcomed with great enthusiasm
-by the populace, the Indians, in particular, gathering
-in crowds everywhere to gaze at their new sovereign.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_33">33</div>
-<p>On the seventeenth of August Maximilian arrived
-at Quer&eacute;taro where he was received with great
-enthusiasm and remained for several days, being
-royally entertained. Little did any of those who
-joined in the festivities suspect that in this very
-town, only three years later, the Emperor was to
-lay down his life for Mexico! From there he went
-on to Celaya which was reached a week later. In
-many places through which they passed evidences
-were visible of the effects of the famine that existed
-in the interior of the country, and where the suffering
-was greatest Maximilian distributed considerable
-sums of money from his own purse. At Trapuato
-the Emperor was suddenly seized with an attack
-of quinsy which confined him to his bed for two
-weeks. This delay, together with other unforeseen
-occurrences in the capital, obliged him to abandon
-the rest of his journey, and the party returned to
-Mexico, though by a different route, arriving on the
-thirtieth of October.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_34">34</div>
-<p>This tour of Maximilian&rsquo;s had proved a continuous
-ovation, but how much of the popular enthusiasm
-was due to his personality rather than to
-allegiance to him as a sovereign is a question. He
-had shown himself everywhere most gracious and
-kindly, granting audiences to persons of all classes
-with a fearlessness which, considering the state of
-the country, must have commanded the respect even
-of his enemies. Whether he allowed himself to be
-deceived by these demonstrations is uncertain. At
-all events he returned well content with the results
-of his journey and full of hope for the future. That
-many of the great changes planned by him for the
-benefit of the people were never put into execution
-was not altogether his fault. To carry out any
-thorough system of reform large sums of money
-are needed, and the treasury was exhausted.</p>
-<p>Maximilian&rsquo;s first act after his return was to form
-a ministry. During his travels he had met many
-able and patriotic Mexicans who, he fancied, would
-be of great assistance to him in his projected reforms,
-and from these he chose his ministers exclusively,
-though doubtless well aware that in some cases the
-positions would have been better filled by Austrians,
-Belgians, or Frenchmen. When reminded of
-this by his friends, however, he would say, &ldquo;Have
-patience! When the country learns that Mexican
-ministers are good-for-nothing, I may be justified in
-appointing others, and my people can then have
-nothing to reproach me with.&rdquo; This was no doubt
-wise on the Emperor&rsquo;s part. The appointment of
-foreigners would have excited suspicion if not rebellion
-at once among the excitable and distrustful
-Mexicans.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_35">35</div>
-<p>On his tour Maximilian had discovered that the
-country&rsquo;s most pressing need was the revival of
-commerce. New channels of trade must be created,
-and for this purpose the laying out of highways
-and the building of bridges was ordered. Robles,
-minister of public works, was commissioned to build
-a railroad between Quer&eacute;taro and Guanajuato, an
-undertaking which was never carried out, however.
-A railroad from Mexico to Vera Cruz was also
-planned, the execution of which was entrusted to
-an English company, and three different companies
-received permission to run steamship lines between
-the more important seaports of the country. To
-exterminate the robber bands and secure safety
-for the life and property of the people, a much
-needed system of militia was instituted on the
-seventh of November, 1864. At the same time
-the Emperor urged most strictly upon all magistrates
-of the various provinces the following injunctions:
-preservation of law and order, firm
-administration of justice, supervision of the press,
-construction and maintenance of roads, extermination
-of marauders and outlaws, sanitation, improvements
-in agriculture and the breeding of cattle,
-conservation of forests, etc.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_36">36</div>
-<p>All this proves the loftiness of Maximilian&rsquo;s aims&mdash;nor
-were his hands idle as some of his enemies
-maliciously maintained. Could he but have had
-the necessary support and co&ouml;peration, conditions
-in that unfortunate country must soon have improved.
-But with only the fickle and treacherous
-Mexicans to depend upon, all these reforms were of
-brief duration&mdash;a mere ripple on the stream.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_37">37</div>
-<h2 id="c5"><span class="h2line1">Chapter V</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Church Affairs in Mexico</span></h2>
-<p>The most difficult problem now awaiting solution
-was the religious situation in Mexico.
-Forty years of internal strife and anarchy
-had inevitably lowered the standards of the people
-and weakened their sense of right and wrong, as was
-proved by Juarez&rsquo;s treatment of Church property.
-The claim of the enemies of the Catholic Church,
-however, that the priesthood was responsible for
-this moral degradation, is entirely without foundation.
-All reports agree that the priests were then,
-as now, the friends and guardians of the Indians.
-Many of the stanchest supporters of Mexican independence&mdash;among
-them Hidalgo, Morelos, and
-Guerrero&mdash;belonged to the clerical party, and even
-at the present day a large part of the minor clergy
-are Indians.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_38">38</div>
-<p>Accounts vary as to the value of the Church&rsquo;s
-property in Mexico at that time, but it is a matter
-of little importance, since it had been seized and
-disposed of by Juarez and his followers long before
-Maximilian&rsquo;s arrival. Indeed, this had been one of
-the chief causes for the latter&rsquo;s hesitation in accepting
-the throne.</p>
-<p>The only possible method of dealing with this
-knotty question seemed to be that of direct negotiation
-with the papal chair, and a special envoy was
-sent to Mexico by Pope Pius Ninth for this purpose.
-The nuncio, Monsignore Meglia, was received by
-Maximilian with every mark of honor and escorted
-in state to the capital where a round of festivities
-ensued, after which the Emperor and his guest
-devoted themselves to the matter in hand. Nine
-points were submitted by Maximilian and his ministers
-for debate, the chief of which may be briefly
-stated as follows: Free observance of all religions in
-Mexico, in so far as they did not violate the laws
-of the country; all expenses of Catholic worship to
-be borne by the State; no taxes nor gratuities of any
-kind to be paid to the clergy by the people; cession
-by the Church of all possessions declared to be
-national property; enjoyment by the Emperor of all
-rights possessed by his predecessors, the Kings of
-Spain, in Mexico; a mutual agreement to exist
-between the Pope and the Emperor to resist aggression
-on the part of any or all religious orders in
-Mexico; existing communities to remain on condition
-that no more novices be received until conditions
-were settled.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_39">39</div>
-<p>The delicate nature of these matters may readily
-be perceived as well as the difficulty of their settlement.
-Negotiations, in fact, were soon broken off
-and an uncomfortable open rupture occurred between
-the Emperor&rsquo;s ministers and Monsignore Meglia,
-who left the capital with his suite on the twenty-seventh
-of May, and returned to Rome without
-having accomplished his mission.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_40">40</div>
-<h2 id="c6"><span class="h2line1">Chapter VI</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Enemies Within and Without</span></h2>
-<p>Maximilian&rsquo;s failure to settle this question,
-so important to Mexico, not only was of
-the greatest detriment to the restoration
-of peace and order, but also lost him the sympathies
-of the clerical party, already averse to the new
-sovereignty.</p>
-<p>The unsettled condition of the country has been
-already alluded to. It is impossible for peaceful
-industries to flourish where the lives and property
-of citizens are in constant danger. The path of outlawry
-and anarchy is marked only by mouldering
-corpses and smoking ruins. Some idea of the state
-of things may be obtained from a report sent by
-the prefect of Zamora to his chief, Antonio Moral,
-on the ninth of March, 1865:</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_41">41</div>
-<p>&ldquo;This prefecture has learned through spies and
-other sources of information that the robber chiefs
-Regules, Salazar, Egiulus, and others are assembling
-their bands in large numbers for attack. Should
-the troops stationed at Mazamitla and Uruapan be
-withdrawn, the bandits will capture this town without
-a doubt, an event which would be followed by
-the most serious consequences. I must add that all
-towns in the south of this department are in the
-same danger, and earnestly implore aid. Pazcuaro
-is menaced by more than 1400 outlaws. Unless
-General Neigre, who has been informed of the danger,
-speedily sends assistance, it will fall into their
-hands and a terrible catastrophe be precipitated.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>On the tenth of May, 1865, the Mexican commander-in-chief,
-Vicente Rosas, writes to the minister
-of war:</p>
-<p>&ldquo;Matters are bad and grow worse daily. Besides
-the bands of Regules and Pueblita, several others
-are roving about in this vicinity, plundering and
-burning <i>haciendas</i>. Unless something can be done
-to remedy affairs, this whole department will be
-lost.&rdquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_42">42</div>
-<p>The country&rsquo;s most serious enemy, however, was
-its ex-President, Benito Juarez. Born about 1807,
-in the State of Oaxaca, of an Indian family, claiming
-descent from Zapotekos, Juarez&rsquo;s childhood was
-spent in extreme poverty. With a natural thirst
-for knowledge, he eagerly availed himself of all the
-opportunities for learning that came within his
-reach, and, finally succeeding in obtaining some
-education, he determined to devote himself to the
-study of law. A wealthy Indian merchant, named
-Don Jos&eacute; Hernandez, had taken him into his service
-as errand-boy from which position he soon rose to
-a clerkship, and afterward was admitted to the bar
-with the dignity of Doctor of Laws. Later he was
-elected to the Vice-Presidency under Comonfort,
-upon whose resignation, in 1858, Juarez became
-President of Mexico.</p>
-<p>When Maximilian assumed the throne, Juarez&rsquo;s
-term of office had nearly expired (November 30,
-1864). He would have been wise therefore to recognize
-the Empire, under which he might have looked
-to hold some important position. Maximilian, indeed,
-did make overtures to the ex-President by
-offering him a place in the cabinet, but Juarez coldly
-declined, preferring to remain at the head of the
-revolutionists, who kept Mexico in a state of
-turmoil and effectually prevented any peaceful development
-of that distracted country.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_43">43</div>
-<p>The position taken by the United States toward
-the new Empire has already been alluded to. On
-the fourth of April, 1864, Congress adopted a resolution
-declaring the unwillingness of the United States
-tacitly to appear before the world as an indifferent
-spectator of the deplorable events then taking place
-in Mexico, and its refusal to recognize a monarchical
-government founded on the ruins of an American
-republic and under the protection of a European
-power.</p>
-<p>Much to his regret, therefore, Maximilian was
-forced to abandon all thought of an embassy at
-Washington. Realizing fully how great an advantage
-recognition by the United States would have
-been to the Empire, both he and his ministers had
-used every effort to establish friendly relations between
-the two governments. The White House,
-however, still continued to recognize Juarez and his
-ambassador, Romero, a crafty official who succeeded,
-not only in establishing recruiting offices for
-his master in some of the large cities of the United
-States, but in winning over many of the newspapers
-also to his side.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_44">44</div>
-<h2 id="c7"><span class="h2line1">Chapter VII</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Bazaine&rsquo;s Position in Mexico</span></h2>
-<p>The attitude taken by the French in Mexico
-has already been alluded to. Bazaine in
-particular seems from the first to have been
-little affected by the Emperor&rsquo;s good example. He
-was well aware of France&rsquo;s incalculable services to
-Mexico, and that it was French bayonets chiefly
-which still maintained some show of order in the
-country. As for Maximilian, while thoroughly appreciating
-Bazaine&rsquo;s ability, he could not but regard
-him as the man of whose will he was more or less
-at the mercy, and felt most keenly the arbitrary
-acts of the Marshal and his underlings, of which the
-following examples will serve as illustrations.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_45">45</div>
-<p>In 1864 the French general, Briancourt, had a
-Mexican colonel arrested and forced him to sweep
-the streets for two hours every day. Indignant at
-this outrage, some ladies of the town brought
-wreaths of flowers to the colonel as he swept, whereupon
-Briancourt had bills posted proclaiming that in
-the future any one who committed this offence should
-share the prisoner&rsquo;s sentence. After being humiliated
-in this way for ten days, the imperial officer was
-summoned before Briancourt, who dismissed him
-with the words: &ldquo;Go where you choose now&mdash;over
-to the republicans&mdash;for all I care!&rdquo; And the
-colonel actually did join the Emperor&rsquo;s enemies, with
-several other officers.</p>
-<p>A French officer, meeting one of his comrades
-who had served through a campaign under Lieutenant-colonel
-Ornano, congratulated him on having
-been one of those receiving decorations for bravery.
-&ldquo;You do me an injustice!&rdquo; replied the other. &ldquo;We
-invariably turned our backs upon the enemy and
-if Ornano singled me out in his report, it was only
-through fear lest I might betray how it was falsified.
-Let me tell you just one incident of this honorable
-campaign. As we were approaching the village of
-San Francisco, Ornano sent a party of cavalry in
-advance to reconnoitre. A fifteen-year-old boy, attracted
-by the sound of riders, came to the door of
-his house to see who they were, and, as he galloped
-by, the leader of the patrol split the poor child&rsquo;s
-skull with one stroke of his sabre, just as his mother
-was about to draw him back into the house. Truly
-a heroic deed!&rdquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_46">46</div>
-<p>These examples will suffice to prove with what
-contempt the French regarded the Mexicans and
-how the officers especially lost no opportunity of
-turning the Emperor&rsquo;s subjects against him, even
-while they themselves were still supposed to be in
-Maximilian&rsquo;s service. It would be unjust, however,
-to accuse the whole army of this treacherous behavior,
-nor can Napoleon Third be held responsible
-for it. He was a warm personal friend of Maximilian
-in the first place, and it seems reasonable to
-assume that he was ignorant of such conduct on the
-part of Bazaine or he would have recalled him and
-sent some one else in his place.</p>
-<p>On the third of October, 1865, a report having
-been generally circulated that Juarez had fled from
-Mexico and taken refuge in Texas, the Emperor
-issued a decree for which he has been severely criticised.
-It ran in substance as follows: All persons
-belonging to armed bands or companies, political or
-otherwise, not lawfully authorized, under whatever
-appellation or for whatever purpose, shall be tried
-by court-martial, and if found guilty shall be condemned
-to death and executed within twenty-four
-hours from the date of sentence.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_47">47</div>
-<p>Bazaine is believed by some to have been the real
-author of this edict, which was aimed at the destruction
-of the robber bands that infested the country,
-but by authority of which Maximilian himself was
-afterward sentenced to death by Juarez. As, however,
-it was signed by all Maximilian&rsquo;s liberal
-ministers it seems more probable that they were
-responsible for a decree so little in accordance with
-his kindly nature.</p>
-<p>Whether or no Bazaine had any share in the framing
-of this edict, he certainly did all in his power to
-further its execution, as appears from a confidential
-message to his generals sent with a copy of the decree.
-He concludes, &ldquo;You are hereby commanded
-to notify the troops under your orders that no more
-prisoners are to be taken. All individuals found
-under arms, irrespective of person, are to be shot
-on sight. In future there will be no more exchange
-of prisoners; on both sides, it is kill or be killed.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>By these cruel means he hoped to prejudice the
-people against their sovereign, thereby furthering
-his own ambitious schemes for becoming President
-of Mexico himself, schemes which were destined
-never to be realized, however.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_48">48</div>
-<h2 id="c8"><span class="h2line1">Chapter VIII</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Fruits of the New Government</span></h2>
-<p>We have seen from the preceding chapters
-what the state of affairs in Mexico was
-when Maximilian assumed the government.
-By the beginning of the second year of the
-Empire matters had already materially changed.
-Most of the country folk had returned to their farms,
-and city merchants who dealt in agricultural implements
-soon saw their stock disappear, and were
-forced to order fresh supplies. This led to a steady
-commercial intercourse with the United States which
-greatly increased after the close of the Civil War.
-In the Spring of 1865 the duties to Mexico from New
-York alone amounted to 1,700,000 pesos in a single
-week. Trade with the West Indies, South America,
-and Europe was also extensive. Merchants who
-at first had been obliged to purchase on credit,
-owing to the prevailing lack of funds, were by
-this time able to pay cash for goods. This was
-certainly one good result of the new government,
-as must have been recognized by all public-minded
-Mexicans.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_49">49</div>
-<p>With the prospect of profit and an assured market,
-trades and crafts also revived. Hundreds of youths,
-who had been torn from their peaceful occupations
-and forced to join the revolutionist bands, returned
-to their apprenticeships. Channels of trade were
-improved. A regular line of mail steamships was
-established in the Gulf of Mexico, and intercourse
-was resumed with all Pacific ports. Fine steamers
-made monthly trips from San Francisco to La Paz,
-Guaymas, and Mazatlan, and twice a month from
-Guaymas to Acapulco. Construction was begun on
-the railroad between Vera Cruz and the capital,
-though it was afterward suspended. A telegraph
-line was built from Mexico to San Luis Potosi. The
-national finances were also much improved. Customs
-receipts steadily increased and the mints coined
-more dollars than ever before, though still bearing
-the stamp of the Republic.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_50">50</div>
-<p>These were some of the happy results of the new
-administration. That they were of but brief duration
-was not the fault of the government nor yet of
-the Emperor, but of Juarez who, still passing as
-President, succeeded only too well in his schemes for
-undermining the Empire.</p>
-<p>With increasing prosperity came a revival of
-various sports and amusements, of which the Mexican
-people are naturally so fond. Early in the year
-1865 most of the European ambassadors arrived
-with their suites, and a series of splendid entertainments
-followed at the imperial court. Later the
-marriage of Marshal Bazaine to the seventeen-year-old
-niece of General Lopez furnished occasion for
-more festivities. These diversions, however, did
-not cause the Emperor to slacken his labors for the
-improvement of the country. On the third of March,
-1865, he had the Empire divided into fifty departments
-and revived the so-called &ldquo;Indian Council,&rdquo;
-which had existed in the days of Spanish sovereignty,
-placing at its head the advocate, Faustin Chimalpopoca,
-a pure Aztec. The Indians still formed the
-larger part of the population of Mexico in spite of
-the efforts of the Republic to enslave and crush them.
-Realizing the importance of this class of people,
-Maximilian took the greatest interest in their protection
-and welfare, while they in turn remained
-loyal to him to the last.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_51">51</div>
-<p>On the tenth of April, 1865, the anniversary of
-his acceptance of the crown, Maximilian published
-an imperial statute declaring that, as a number of
-provinces still remained hostile to the Empire, he
-did not deem it wise as yet to introduce popular
-representation, but promised to do so as soon as
-the national disturbances were settled. Besides the
-Guadeloupe order, revived in 1863, and the order
-of the Mexican Eagle, founded in January, 1865, a
-special order for women, that of San Carlos, was
-instituted, April tenth, by the joint sovereigns. Another
-important task was the reorganization of the
-army. Most of the Mexican officers at that time
-were quite useless and must be got rid of. To
-replace these and furnish a supply of efficient native
-officers, Maximilian opened the military school at
-Chapultepec.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div>
-<h2 id="c9"><span class="h2line1">Chapter IX</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Louis Napoleon&rsquo;s Attitude</span></h2>
-<p>When Maximilian ascended the throne of
-Mexico, the Civil War was still raging in
-the United States, and the White House
-had no time to care for the affairs of its southern
-neighbor. Although from the first the United States
-had refused to recognize the Empire, its attitude had
-been neutral rather than actually hostile, and Napoleon
-was counting on an indefinite continuation of
-the war for the furtherance of his plans. The end
-came sooner than was expected, however. After a
-bitter struggle the Southern States yielded to the
-North, and this materially changed the situation in
-Mexico. Juarez was now not only regarded as
-President, but furnished with active support, without
-which he would doubtless have been forced to
-give up the struggle. He hovered on the border,
-now on one side of the line, now on the other, escaping
-into Texas when the enemy was close at his
-heels, and remaining there in safety until the danger
-was passed, then crossing back into Mexico again,
-where, reinforced by volunteers from the north, he
-won frequent victories over the imperial troops and
-constantly gained ground.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_53">53</div>
-<p>Napoleon&rsquo;s position was likewise changed. In a
-speech delivered from the throne on the twenty-second
-of January, 1866, he declared:</p>
-<p>&ldquo;In Mexico the government founded by the
-people continues to thrive. The rebels, overpowered
-and dispersed, have no longer any leaders.
-The national troops have proved their valor and the
-country has furnished security for order and safety
-in the development of resources which have made
-its commerce worth millions with France alone.
-Our enterprise therefore is progressing most successfully,
-as I last year expressed the hope that it would.
-As to the recall of our troops I have come to an
-understanding with Emperor Maximilian, whereby
-their withdrawal may be accomplished without
-danger to the interests of France, for the protection
-of which in that distant country we have pledged
-ourselves. Any objections raised by the United
-States to the continued presence of our troops in
-Mexico will be removed, I feel sure, by the justice
-of our explanations. The American people will
-perceive that an enterprise in which we sought their
-aid cannot be contrary to their interests. Two
-nations, equally jealous of their rights, must naturally
-resent any step that might jeopardize their
-honor or their dignity.&rdquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_54">54</div>
-<p>Plausible and reassuring as this sounds, it nevertheless
-betrays two facts: France&rsquo;s fear of being
-drawn into war with the United States if she continued
-to maintain an army on American soil, and
-Napoleon&rsquo;s desire to conciliate that country even at
-the cost of violating the Treaty of Miramar. True,
-there may have been something in the secret articles
-added to this document which justified Napoleon&rsquo;s
-methods, while on the other hand it is evident that
-Maximilian was far from opposing the recall of
-Bazaine, nor did he object to the gradual withdrawal
-of the French troops, as may be seen from
-the following announcement that appeared in the
-<i>Monitor</i>:</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_55">55</div>
-<p>&ldquo;In pursuance to an agreement between M. Dano,
-the French ambassador, His Excellency Marshal
-Bazaine, and the Mexican government, the Emperor
-has ordered that the French troops shall leave
-Mexico in three detachments: the first to go in
-November, 1866, the second in March, 1867, the
-third in the following November. Negotiations
-between the two governments have also begun to
-substitute those articles of the Treaty of Miramar relating
-to finance, new stipulations whereby France&rsquo;s
-indebtedness and the interest of the loan guaranteed
-by her to Mexico shall be assured.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>The United States declared itself satisfied with
-these assurances and continued to assist Juarez in
-his attempts to undermine the government.</p>
-<p>The year 1866, which thus began so peacefully on
-paper at a time when there was little peace in
-the air, either in Europe or America, was to prove
-an eventful one for Maximilian, and hastened
-with giant strides the downfall of the Mexican
-Empire.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_56">56</div>
-<h2 id="c10"><span class="h2line1">Chapter X</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">The Empress&rsquo; Journey to Europe</span></h2>
-<p>On the seventh of July, 1866, the following
-unexpected announcement appeared in one
-of the Mexican journals: &ldquo;Her Majesty, the
-Empress, leaves to-morrow for Europe, where she is
-to arrange the settlement of various matters of
-Mexican as well as international import. No greater
-proof of patriotism and self-denial could be furnished
-on the part of our sovereign than the assumption of
-this mission, the more so as the Empress sails from
-Vera Cruz, where yellow fever is so prevalent at this
-season. We publish this in order that the people
-may know the real purpose of Her Majesty&rsquo;s
-journey.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>The Empress Carlotta&rsquo;s sudden departure aroused
-great excitement. It was generally felt, and not
-without reason, that such a step must have been
-due to weighty causes, the issue of which it was at
-that time impossible to foresee. For Maximilian it
-marked a turning-point in his career. It was as if
-with the departure of his guardian angel, Fortune
-too had forsaken him and abandoned him to his
-fate.</p>
-<div class="img" id="pic2">
-<img src="images/p2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="689" />
-<p class="caption"><i>EMPRESS CARLOTTA</i></p>
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_57">57</div>
-<p>Unexpectedly and most uncomfortably for Napoleon,
-Carlotta arrived at St. Nazaire on the eighth
-of August by the packet-boat, <i>Empress Eug&eacute;nie</i>. She
-was met by the Mexican ambassador, Almonte, and
-his wife, who travelled with her to Paris without
-delay. Metternich, the Austrian ambassador, was
-awaiting her at the Grand Hotel, and on the eleventh
-of August she had a long interview with Napoleon
-at St. Cloud. Accounts vary as to what actually
-transpired on this memorable occasion, but according
-to Hellwald, who seems a reliable authority,
-three points were discussed. The first related to
-the postponement of the withdrawal of the first
-detachment of French troops from November, 1866,
-to April, 1867, by which time Maximilian hoped to
-have his own army so strengthened that he could
-better spare the French. Juarez had been making
-such headway in the north that the Emperor did
-not dare as yet to dispense with his allies. Next
-the Empress desired that Bazaine should be immediately
-recalled and General Donay sent out in his
-place, a request not difficult to understand considering
-the many differences that had occurred between
-Maximilian and the Marshal. The third point concerned
-Mexico&rsquo;s ever empty exchequer. By the
-Treaty of Miramar Mexico had agreed to repay her
-financial obligations to France; but, as we have seen,
-she was by no means able to pay her debts or even
-the interest on them.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_58">58</div>
-<p>In her first interview the Empress accomplished
-nothing. Napoleon was unwilling to defer the withdrawal
-of his troops for some months, for fear of
-giving offence to the government at Washington.
-As to the second point no agreement was arrived at,
-for Bazaine was not recalled. When he did leave
-Mexico at last, he not only took the entire army
-with him, but also induced the volunteers from
-Austria and Belgium to resign. As to a settlement
-of the Mexican debt, however, a separate treaty was
-concluded.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_59">59</div>
-<p>On the twenty-second of August Empress Eug&eacute;nie
-and Emperor Napoleon made a final visit to Empress
-Carlotta, who left Paris on the following day for
-Brussels. From there she went to Italy, and on the
-twenty-ninth arrived once more at Miramar where
-she had spent so many happy days. Another task
-now awaited her. As the negotiations between
-Maximilian&rsquo;s ministry and the papal nuncio concerning
-the religious situation in Mexico had been
-unsuccessful, Carlotta determined to try and settle
-the affair herself. On the twenty-fifth of September,
-therefore, she arrived again in Rome with
-her suite and two days later had a long audience
-with the Pope. Soon after this she was suddenly
-taken ill. At first her attack was said to be only
-the result of the fatigues of her long journey and the
-change of climate, an explanation which seemed
-sufficiently plausible. The real nature of the illness
-could not be long concealed, however. The Empress&rsquo;
-mind had become totally deranged, and her
-malady was later pronounced incurable. Shocked
-as all Europe was by this dreadful news, what must
-have been its effect upon Maximilian! How he
-received it, is told as follows by his own physician,
-Dr. Basch:</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_60">60</div>
-<p>&ldquo;The Emperor at this time was living entirely
-secluded in the palace, only Herzfeld, the Minister
-of State, Father Fischer, the court chaplain, and
-myself being present at his table. There were no
-invited guests till the eighteenth of August, for the
-afternoon of which a large dinner was planned.
-That morning the Emperor held a council of state,
-at the close of which I entered the imperial cabinet.
-While I was present, two cable despatches
-arrived from Europe, at sight of which His Majesty
-was visibly alarmed. His forebodings were well
-founded. The first was sent by Castello from
-Rome on the fifth of October, and read:</p>
-<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;Her Majesty, the Empress, has succumbed to
-the fatigues and difficulties of her mission, and must
-be taken to Miramar without delay, accompanied
-by her physicians.&rsquo;</p>
-<p>&ldquo;The other, dated the twelfth, was from Count
-Bombelles at Miramar, and contained the further
-information that all hope was not yet abandoned.
-Her Majesty, with her entire suite, was at Miramar,
-and a member of the household would follow at
-once with advices. Herzfeld opened the despatches
-and, unwilling to break their contents too suddenly
-to the Emperor, pretended that he was unable to
-decipher them exactly, but reassured His Majesty
-by asserting that the news apparently referred to
-the illness of some one at Miramar, probably one of
-the Empress&rsquo; ladies-in-waiting, Madame Bario, who
-was a Mexican.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_61">61</div>
-<p>&ldquo;The facts could not long be concealed, however,
-for the Emperor, suspecting that something was
-being withheld from him, insisted upon knowing the
-truth.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;I feel that something terrible has happened,&rsquo; he
-declared. &lsquo;Tell me what it is, for I am consumed
-with anxiety.&rsquo;</p>
-<p>&ldquo;While Herzfeld was seemingly studying the
-despatches more closely, I retired to my apartment,
-but was soon summoned again by His Majesty. As
-I entered, he turned to me, tears streaming down
-his cheeks, and asked,</p>
-<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;Do you know who Dr. Riedel is in Vienna?&rsquo;</p>
-<p>&ldquo;At the mention of this name, the truth flashed
-upon me. Herzfeld had disclosed the news, and
-much as I longed to spare the Emperor, I could not
-lie to him.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;He is the director of the Insane Asylum,&rsquo; I was
-reluctantly forced to reply.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>These melancholy tidings only served to hasten
-the impending crisis. Already disheartened by
-repeated trials and disappointments, Maximilian
-now saw his last hope vanish, and felt himself deserted
-by Providence. Indifferent to all that passed,
-his only thought seemed to be of hastening to his
-beloved wife and leaving behind him this ill-fated
-country to which she had been so cruelly sacrificed.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_62">62</div>
-<h2 id="c11"><span class="h2line1">Chapter XI</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Events in Mexico after the Departure of the Empress</span></h2>
-<p>Two persons have already been mentioned who
-played an important part in the events of
-this history, Herzfeld, the Minister of State,
-and Father Fischer. Herzfeld was a German and
-devoted to the Emperor. Unfortunately Maximilian
-sent him back to Europe soon after this,
-thereby depriving himself of a valuable friend and
-adviser in his days of misfortune. Father Fischer
-was born in W&uuml;rtemberg, of Protestant parents, and
-seems to have had rather an adventurous career.
-He came to America with a band of emigrants who
-settled in Texas, and went from there to California as
-a gold miner. Becoming a convert to Catholicism,
-he entered the Jesuit order, from which he was subsequently
-dismissed, for good and sufficient reasons,
-no doubt. The description of this man given by
-the Emperor&rsquo;s physician is far from flattering, but
-it is manifestly unjust to lay his faults at the door
-of the much-abused order of Jesuits. A whole
-society cannot be held responsible for the deeds or
-misdeeds of a single member, still less when that
-member has ceased to be one. At all events Father
-Fischer belonged to the Emperor&rsquo;s closest circle of
-friends, another member of which was Professor
-Bilimek, whose acquaintance we shall make in the
-next chapter. This man was a scholar, absorbed in
-the study of the flowers and butterflies of Mexico
-and troubling himself little with political affairs.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_63">63</div>
-<p>After the departure of the Empress matters went
-rapidly from bad to worse. In the north the followers
-of Juarez had inflicted a series of defeats on the
-imperial troops and were steadily gaining ground,
-while in the capital the outlook was far from encouraging.
-Maximilian had replaced two of his Mexican
-ministers with Frenchmen, Generals Osmont and
-Friant, but their attempts to remedy the situation
-were frustrated by the pride and jealousy of the
-Mexicans who bitterly resented the appointment of
-foreigners to these high positions. The United
-States, moreover, took exceptions to these appointments
-as a violation of French neutrality and made
-a formal complaint to Napoleon, whereupon the
-following announcement appeared in the <i>Monitor</i>:</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_64">64</div>
-<p>&ldquo;On the twenty-sixth of July His Majesty, the
-Emperor of Mexico, issued a decree entrusting the
-portfolio of war to General Osmont, Chief of Staff
-of the Expedition Corps, and that of finance to
-Friant, intendant-general of the army. As, however,
-the military duties of these gentlemen, both
-holding important posts in an army still in the
-field, are irreconcilable with the responsibilities of
-their new positions, they have received no authorization
-to accept these appointments.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>This plainly shows France&rsquo;s fear of the United
-States and her indifference to her engagements with
-Maximilian. A new ministry, therefore, had to be
-formed, in the selection of which Father Fischer&rsquo;s
-influence is said to have been largely responsible.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_65">65</div>
-<p>As the prospects for a restoration of the Republic
-grew brighter, Juarez did not remain the only candidate
-for the presidential chair, a certain Ortega
-and the former ex-President Santa Anna also appearing
-as aspirants to the honor. The position of
-the imperial forces on the border soon became so
-unsafe that Maximilian was forced to abandon those
-districts to the revolutionists and withdraw his
-troops more into the interior. Even his attempt
-to keep the way to the coast open was not successful,
-for the city of Xalapa, on the road to Vera Cruz,
-was besieged and captured by the rebels, thus cutting
-off communication between the capital and the
-coast, while many of the native soldiers deserted
-and went over to the enemy with their leaders.
-Even among the revolutionists, however, there were
-dissensions, the greater part of them supporting
-Juarez, others Ortega or Santa Anna. On one point
-only were they united, the downfall of the Empire
-and restoration of the Republic.</p>
-<p>Another incident occurred at this time which was
-well calculated to make Maximilian, already suffering
-from an intermittent fever, caused by the climate,
-still more averse to remaining in Mexico. This was
-a conspiracy against his life, discovered by one of
-the town prefects. The plot, hatched by some of
-Santa Anna&rsquo;s guerilla followers, was to include the
-murder of the prefect himself by his secretary, a
-man from the lower classes whom he had befriended,
-to be followed by that of several other prominent
-personages. A closer investigation revealed that
-the Emperor&rsquo;s life also had been aimed at.</p>
-<p>Such were the people by whom Maximilian was
-surrounded, and such the treachery which he had
-constantly to deal with in his adopted country.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_66">66</div>
-<p>On the afternoon of the day on which the two
-fatal despatches arrived in Mexico Maximilian was
-taking his usual stroll on the flat roof of the palace
-with his physician, when he suddenly announced his
-intention of abandoning the country where he had
-met with such ingratitude, and asked his friend&rsquo;s
-advice as to the matter.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;I do not see how it will be possible for Your
-Majesty to remain here,&rdquo; replied the doctor frankly.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;Will it be attributed to the Empress&rsquo; illness if
-I should leave?&rdquo; he then inquired.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;That certainly is reason enough,&rdquo; returned the
-other. &ldquo;Besides, Europe must recognize that Your
-Majesty is no longer bound to remain in Mexico
-after France&rsquo;s violation of her contracts.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>&ldquo;What do you suppose Herzfeld and Fischer will
-think of it?&rdquo; continued Maximilian, after a pause.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;I am sure that Herzfeld will share my views,&rdquo;
-declared the physician. &ldquo;As to Father Fischer, to
-tell the truth, I have not much confidence in his
-opinions.&rdquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_67">67</div>
-<p>They then discussed the advisability of leaving
-at once or whether it would be better to wait
-for a time, but as there seemed no good reason at
-present for a sudden departure, Dr. Basch advised
-deferring it for a week in order that suitable
-preparations might be made.</p>
-<p>That evening Maximilian summoned his Minister
-of State and Professor Bilimek, director of the museum,
-and laid the matter before them. To both,
-the Emperor&rsquo;s safety was of far more concern than
-the fate of a half-civilized country whose indifference
-had caused the downfall of all his hopes and
-schemes. The recent plot against the Emperor&rsquo;s
-life also may well have been an argument in favor
-of the plan. At all events they heartily coincided
-with it and Herzfeld urged preparations for departure
-with such energy that in three days&rsquo; time it was
-possible to leave Chapultepec, a summer palace
-near the city of Mexico, which Maximilian had had
-newly restored and fitted up at great cost and where
-he was staying at this time.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_68">68</div>
-<p>The rumor of the Emperor&rsquo;s proposed departure
-caused general consternation. The new ministry
-was stunned and tried every means to dissuade him
-from this step. But Maximilian remained deaf to
-all arguments and, lest his resolution should be
-weakened, Dr. Basch had orders to permit no one
-to enter the royal apartments. All who came were
-dismissed with the information that His Majesty
-was ill and could receive no visitors. Even the
-Princess Iturbide, aunt of little Prince Iturbide, a
-descendant of August the First, the first Emperor of
-Mexico, whom Maximilian, having no children of
-his own, had named as Crown Prince, was unable
-to gain access to him. The physician admits he had
-rather a violent scene with the high-spirited Princess.
-She would take no denial and ended by
-roundly abusing those friends of the Emperor&rsquo;s who
-had persuaded him to leave Mexico.</p>
-<p>As a last resort the ministry threatened to resign
-in a body if the plan were persisted in, but even
-this was of no avail. Maximilian quietly declared
-that if these gentlemen resigned their offices he
-would leave the country at once, and he would
-certainly have kept his word. It is greatly to be
-regretted, therefore, that they did not do so and
-thus spare Mexico the everlasting stain of treachery
-and murder. Finding it the only means of at least
-deferring the Emperor&rsquo;s abdication, however, they
-remained at their posts and sent a message to him
-agreeing to carry on the business of government
-during his absence in accordance with his wishes.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_69">69</div>
-<p>Maximilian had already received a letter from
-Bazaine approving the plan of changing his residence
-to Orizaba, which was only a day&rsquo;s journey
-from the seaport of Vera Cruz, and promising to
-maintain law and order in the capital. The Emperor&rsquo;s
-abdication would suit his own plans very
-well, by bringing him a step nearer to the realization
-of his secret ambitions.</p>
-<p>Thanks to Herzfeld&rsquo;s energy and activity, all was
-ready at the appointed time, and at four o&rsquo;clock on
-the morning of the twenty-first of October, the
-Emperor, escorted by a troop of three hundred
-hussars under the command of Colonel Kodolitsch,
-set out from Chapultepec, little thinking ever to see
-that place again. Councillor Herzfeld remained in
-the capital to arrange some business matters, expecting
-to join the Emperor later on.</p>
-<p>The journey to Orizaba must not be passed over
-in silence, as it was marked by the occurrence of
-an important event. On the afternoon of the first
-day, the imperial party reached the Hacienda
-Socyapan, where they were to spend the night. The
-Emperor seemed abstracted, and walked up and
-down before the <i>hacienda</i> in silence with his physician
-and Professor Bilimek. At length he broke
-out suddenly:</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_70">70</div>
-<p>&ldquo;I cannot have any more bloodshed in this
-unhappy country on my account. What am I to
-do?&rdquo;</p>
-<p>The professor advised him to abdicate and sail for
-Europe at once, but Dr. Basch opposed this, representing
-that an unnecessarily sudden departure would
-only precipitate matters and bring about exactly
-what the Emperor wished to avoid, namely, more
-bloodshed in Mexico. At the same time he urged a
-revocation of the decree of the third of October,
-1865, a suggestion which Maximilian cordially
-approved, and in regard to which he expressed himself
-in strong terms on this occasion.</p>
-<p>Father Fischer and Colonel Kodolitsch, who were
-also in the Emperor&rsquo;s confidence, added their influence
-to the doctor&rsquo;s, urging that a <i>hacienda</i> was not
-a suitable place from which to abdicate a throne, as
-Maximilian himself was forced to acknowledge. He
-contented himself, therefore, with issuing two orders.
-Father Fischer was to write personal letters at once
-to Bazaine and to Minister Lares, ordering the repeal
-of the law of the third of October and the cessation
-of all hostilities until further notice. These two
-important despatches were entrusted to Count
-Lamotte, an officer in the Austrian Hussars, to carry
-back to the city of Mexico, and on the following
-morning the Emperor left the <i>hacienda</i> apparently
-much relieved. At noon of the second day, while
-resting at Rio-Frio, he sent the following telegram
-to Captain Pierron:</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_71">71</div>
-<p>&ldquo;You, with Messieurs Pino, Trouchot, and Mangino,
-are hereby appointed a commission which,
-under your direction and with the assistance of
-some trustworthy official from the ministry of
-finance, will examine the Civil List accounts, mine
-as well as that of the Empress, to prove whether we
-owe the State or the State us. I desire from the
-commission a detailed and authenticated statement
-in regard to this, in which shall be included the sum
-taken by the Empress for her voyage to Europe,
-and that received by my secretary on the Civil List
-account, together with those employed by Minister
-Arroyo after the reduction of the Civil List, in
-works on the palace and at Chapultepec.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>Herzfeld was also commissioned to issue, in the
-name of the Emperor, the necessary written orders
-to the prefect and treasurer at Miramar.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_72">72</div>
-<p>&ldquo;The Emperor wishes the utmost publicity to be
-given these matters,&rdquo; so Herzfeld was notified, &ldquo;and
-holds you responsible therefor on your honor and
-your friendship. Amid the political shipwreck he
-desires to keep his name and honor untarnished and
-would rather suffer personal loss than touch any
-part of the property of the Mexican nation.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>At the stations of Actzingo and Canada, Maximilian
-spent the night in the house of the priests, a
-fact which furnished his enemies an opportunity for
-accusing him of too close affiliation with the clergy.
-His arrival was everywhere hailed with rejoicings,
-and he was overwhelmed with expressions of sympathy
-for the illness of the Empress. On the twenty-seventh
-of October the imperial party reached the
-city of Orizaba, which they entered at five o&rsquo;clock
-in the afternoon, greeted with booming of cannon
-and the enthusiastic acclamations of the populace.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_73">73</div>
-<h2 id="c12"><span class="h2line1">Chapter XII</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">The Emperor at Orizaba</span></h2>
-<p>Herzfeld&rsquo;s knowledge of the real state of
-affairs and anxiety for his master&rsquo;s safety
-soon caused him to lay aside all other considerations
-and follow the Emperor to Orizaba,
-where he urged preparations for departure with all
-possible despatch. In the midst of those, however,
-he was ordered to Europe by Maximilian to prepare
-for his arrival there. Thus this loyal friend was
-spared being a witness of the Emperor&rsquo;s tragic fate.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_74">74</div>
-<p>During his stay in Orizaba Maximilian led a
-simple, secluded life in his palace, seeing only his
-intimate associates, but occupied with arrangements
-for departure, and the settling of his private affairs.
-Much to his satisfaction, his Civil List showed a
-balance in his favor of $180,000. All his servants
-but two were paid and dismissed. Colonel Kodolitsch
-was sent to Mexico to arrange with Bazaine
-concerning the Austrian and Belgian volunteers,
-who had followed Maximilian to Mexico and for
-whose future he felt it his duty to provide. One
-question much discussed confidentially, and which
-Maximilian seemed quite unable to decide, was as to
-whether the abdication should take place before his
-departure or in Europe, where he had accepted the
-crown. His plans for the future were already made.
-It was not his intention to return at once to Austria,
-but to travel for two years, meeting the Empress at
-Corfu, if her condition should permit. Meanwhile
-his own health had greatly improved. With his two
-countrymen, Dr. Basch and Professor Bilimek, he
-made frequent excursions about the neighborhood,
-enjoying the wonderful scenery or searching for rare
-specimens of plants and insects. Suddenly, however,
-events occurred which changed the aspect of
-affairs and effectually put an end to the Emperor&rsquo;s
-plans of travel.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_75">75</div>
-<p>Two old comrades-in-arms in the Mexican army,
-Generals Marquez and Miramon, returned from
-Europe and, seeking an immediate audience with the
-Emperor, urged him to return to the capital, holding
-out promises of support and encouraging prospects
-for the imperial cause. While Maximilian was hesitating,
-a letter arrived from Bazaine, which turned
-the scale. In this the Marshal was so imprudent as
-to tell tales out of school, betraying the fact that
-Napoleon III had made other plans for Mexico
-without consulting Maximilian, who, as he had not
-yet abdicated, was still sovereign of the country.
-This arbitrary conduct on the part of his ally roused
-Maximilian to action. Indignant at the slight cast
-upon him and anxious to prove that he was not
-slinking away at the bidding of France like a disgraced
-servant, he was in a proper frame of mind to
-respond to the appeal made by his conservative
-advisers, that it was his duty to remain and not
-desert his party in the hour of danger. Although
-outwardly preparations for departure continued as
-before, the Emperor&rsquo;s resolution was weakened,
-and toward the end of November he summoned his
-council to Orizaba to consult with them as to the
-advisability of his abdication, giving in an address
-to that body his reasons for such a step, <i>viz.</i>, the
-spread of the revolution with its attendant evils, the
-hostility of the United States toward Mexico, and
-the withdrawal of the support of France.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_76">76</div>
-<p>A vote was taken, twenty-three members of the
-council being present, of whom two were for immediate
-abdication, ten of the opposite opinion, while
-eleven were in favor of abdication, but held that the
-present was not the time for such a step. Maximilian
-yielded to the majority and agreed to remain
-on condition that funds should be raised for the
-proper defence of the government and the organization
-of a permanent national army, and that
-measures should be taken toward the settlement
-of questions pending with France and the United
-States. The Mexicans, proverbially lavish with
-promises, readily agreed to all these points, and on
-the first of December the Emperor issued a manifesto
-to the people, declaring that he had yielded
-to the desire of his council on condition that a congress
-representing all parties should be summoned
-to decide the existence of the Empire, and, if this
-were confirmed, he would devote himself to the
-promotion of its welfare.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_77">77</div>
-<p>On the twelfth of December, 1866, Maximilian
-left Orizaba to return to Mexico, accompanied by
-most of the members of the council who, in the
-unsettled condition of the country, were glad to
-avail themselves of the imperial escort, consisting
-as before of Colonel Kodolitsch&rsquo;s hussars. They
-consumed much time on the journey, lingering for
-nearly three weeks at Puebla, Maximilian residing
-at first in the Xonaca palace, a short distance
-outside the city. Here he held an interview with
-Castelnan, the French consul, which appears to
-have been of a most unpleasant nature and widened
-still further the breach between the two Emperors.
-Scientific expeditions were also attempted by the
-three friends, as at Orizaba, but, finding few specimens
-in the region about Puebla, these excursions
-were soon abandoned and Maximilian moved his
-residence into the city.</p>
-<p>Arriving in Mexico on the fifth of January, 1867,
-Maximilian remained for a time at the Hacienda de
-Teja, a quarter of an hour&rsquo;s distance from the
-capital. While there three of his former ministers,
-Ramirez, Escudero, and Robles y Pezuela, made a
-final attempt to induce him to abdicate and leave
-the country at once. But although evidently impressed
-by their arguments he refused to follow their
-advice. The accusations of vacillation and irresolution
-afterward made against Maximilian would seem
-to be justified by his behavior at this time. Doubtful
-of himself and of the future, he still clung to the
-hope of being able at least to retire with honor, conscious
-of having fulfilled his duty to his adherents.
-In relating to his physician the interview with his
-ex-ministers, he declared that Ramirez wept at
-parting, expressing the earnest wish that his evil
-forebodings might not be realized. He knew but
-too well how deceptive were the promises of his
-countrymen.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_78">78</div>
-<p>&ldquo;In no case,&rdquo; continued the Emperor, &ldquo;will I
-remain here more than a few months, only until
-affairs are more settled. Will it injure my health,
-do you think, to stay on in Mexico? Will the fever
-return?&rdquo;</p>
-<p>&ldquo;I have no anxiety as to Your Majesty&rsquo;s health
-on that score,&rdquo; replied the physician; &ldquo;it is Your
-Majesty&rsquo;s life I fear for.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>Maximilian&rsquo;s attempts to convoke an assembly of
-liberal representatives from all parties to discuss
-measures for remedying the existing disorders in the
-country met with small success, as might have been
-expected. It seemed impossible to obtain any sort
-of peaceful fusion or co&ouml;peration, and there was
-nothing left for the Junta (congress) but to declare
-war on the rebels in Mexico&mdash;war to the knife.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_79">79</div>
-<h2 id="c13"><span class="h2line1">Chapter XIII</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Departure of the French</span></h2>
-<p>Meanwhile the French were making active
-preparations for their return to France.
-On the sixteenth of January, 1867, a letter
-arrived from Napoleon Third, revoking the extraordinary
-powers granted to Bazaine as commander-in-chief
-of the Expedition Corps and declaring the corps
-itself disbanded. The embarkation of the first
-division of troops on the <i>Empress Eug&eacute;nie</i> had then
-already begun. This was in accordance with the
-secret articles already mentioned, and met with no
-objection on the part of Maximilian. The recall of
-the foreign legion, however, included in the order,
-was a direct violation of the Treaty of Miramar,
-which guaranteed their remaining in the country
-for several years yet, if needed.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_80">80</div>
-<p>In February the French marched out of the capital.
-Before leaving they burned as many of the
-army effects as could not profitably be taken with
-them. A large quantity of powder was poured into
-the water, and projectiles were rendered useless by
-being filled with sand, so that the Mexicans should
-not profit by their possession. It is hard to believe
-that Bazaine&rsquo;s personal feeling could have gone to
-such lengths, but there seems no reason to doubt the
-truth of these statements. During the Russian retreat
-before the French, in 1812, stores of all kinds
-were destroyed to prevent their falling into the
-enemy&rsquo;s hands. Maximilian was not yet an enemy;
-on the contrary, he was supposed to be an ally, yet
-for days huge columns of fire and smoke testified to
-the friendship of the French.</p>
-<p>Nor was this all. On the occasion of the Marshal&rsquo;s
-marriage to his Mexican wife, Maximilian had
-presented him with a palace, which in case of his
-recall was to be redeemed by the government for
-150,000 piastres ($100,000). Now that he was
-about to leave the country forever he demanded the
-promised sum, though well aware of the state of
-Mexican finances, and, finding it impossible to
-obtain the money from an empty exchequer, sold
-enough French arms and ammunition to the revolutionists
-at insignificant prices to make up the amount.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_81">81</div>
-<p>When Bazaine, some months before, had begun
-the reorganization of the Mexican army which was
-to replace the French, he had ordered that all commanders
-must be Frenchmen, other officers and
-privates either French or Mexicans; pay, equipment,
-etc., to be the same as in the French army, and those
-of his own troops who chose were to be free to remain
-in the service of the Emperor. Yet in spite of this,
-before the departure of the last of the troops in
-February, 1867, he issued an order declaring that all
-French soldiers, officers or privates, who did not
-return to their own banner immediately would be
-regarded as deserters and forfeit all rights as citizens.
-Owing to the wide area of country involved
-and the difficulty of communication it was, of course,
-impossible for this order to reach all the French
-soldiers in Mexico&mdash;a fact which was taken advantage
-of later by Juarez, for all the Frenchmen serving
-under Maximilian, who were unfortunate enough to
-be taken prisoners, were shot as deserters. Before
-leaving, however, the Marshal was kind enough to
-send a message to Maximilian, offering to wait for
-him in case he should decide to leave the country&mdash;an
-offer which, needless to say, was declined.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_82">82</div>
-<p>With the French troops, thanks to Bazaine&rsquo;s
-powers of persuasion, went the greater part of the
-Austrian and Belgian volunteers, who had done
-distinguished service under the command of Count
-Thun, only a few of the Austrians remaining with
-their Prince. The first step now to be taken was
-the formation of the new national army, a task
-already begun by Bazaine. Maximilian divided it,
-roughly speaking, into three corps, commanded
-respectively by Generals Miramon, Marquez, and
-Mejia. As these three men are henceforth to play
-an important part in Mexican affairs, a word concerning
-them may not be amiss.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_83">83</div>
-<p>Miramon had already enjoyed the honor of occupying
-the presidential chair in Mexico, at which
-time Marquez had served under him. One incident
-will suffice to illustrate the character of these two
-heroes. After the capture of Tacubaya, in 1859,
-they made a visit to the hospital where a corps of
-seven surgeons were caring for the wounded, friend
-and foe alike. That very day Miramon issued an
-order to Marquez, requiring all prisoners ranking
-from subalterns to staff-officers to be shot under
-his personal supervision&mdash;a list of the same to be
-delivered to himself that evening. And Leonardo
-Marquez, this worthy henchman, carried out these
-instructions so faithfully that not only every prisoner
-was shot before sunset, but also the surgeons
-of whom there had been no mention in the order.
-Such were the ideas of justice that animated these
-two commanders of the Mexican national army, yet
-Marquez, in particular, seems to have completely
-succeeded in concealing his real character from
-Maximilian, over whom he unfortunately had great
-influence. In marked contrast to these was the
-Indian Mejia, who, though still young and of unprepossessing
-appearance, was brave and honest, a
-good soldier, and loyal to the end to his imperial
-master, whose death indeed he shared.</p>
-<p>Army corps, properly speaking, were out of the
-question, of course, in the Mexican army, of which
-only the few remaining French troops and foreign
-volunteers were trained soldiers. For the rest and
-for the greater part it was composed of half-hearted
-Mexicans, impressed into the service and ready to
-go over to the enemy at a moment&rsquo;s notice whenever
-it pleased them. Of the volunteers Colonel
-Kherenh&uuml;ller had succeeded in forming a regiment
-of hussars, and Baron Hammerstein, one of infantry,
-while Count Wickenburg had an auxiliary force of
-constabulary, and Colonel Masso the <i>cazadores</i> or
-<i>chasseurs</i>, all of whom did good service. That
-their blood was shed in vain, that they never had
-the honor of fighting near the Emperor or defending
-him with their lives, was not the fault of
-these brave Germans, but of the traitorous villain
-Marquez.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_84">84</div>
-<p>Maximilian next divided the country into three
-great military districts. Mejia was given command
-in the east, with headquarters at San Luis Potosi,
-Miramon was stationed in the west at Quer&eacute;taro,
-while Marquez, controlling the central district,
-remained in the capital.</p>
-<p>The Emperor was determined now to show that
-he could maintain his position without the aid of
-French bayonets&mdash;a proof of confidence and fearlessness
-which was hailed with acclamations by the
-imperialists, who already foresaw the downfall of
-Juarez and the triumph of the Empire. Before
-actual hostilities began, however, Maximilian made
-one more effort to avert bloodshed and make peace
-with his enemies. But it was all in vain. His
-overtures were coldly rejected and there was nothing
-for it but to let fate take its course.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_85">85</div>
-<p>The first advance was made by Miramon, who
-succeeded in inflicting a severe defeat upon the
-republicans, Juarez and his ministers only escaping
-by the swiftness of their horses. But the exultation
-caused by this news soon gave place to deepest
-dejection. Some days later, Escobedo, commander
-of the revolutionist army in the north, surprised the
-imperialists at San Jacinto and put them to rout,
-while Miramon, with the remnants of his scattered
-forces, took refuge in Quer&eacute;taro.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_86">86</div>
-<h2 id="c14"><span class="h2line1">Chapter XIV</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">The Siege of Quer&eacute;taro</span></h2>
-<p>On the tenth of February the Emperor told
-his physician to prepare for a two weeks&rsquo;
-expedition to Quer&eacute;taro. Prompted by the
-urgent representations of his ministers, Lares and
-Marquez, that his presence was needed there to
-counteract the demoralizing effect of Miramon&rsquo;s
-defeat, he determined to place himself at the head
-of the army. After some delay, owing to the difficulty
-of obtaining funds for the campaign, in spite
-of the ministry&rsquo;s assurances as to the satisfactory
-condition of the national finances, Maximilian set
-out upon this fateful journey on the thirteenth of
-February, with a force of sixteen hundred Mexicans.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_87">87</div>
-<p>The matter had been arranged with so much
-secrecy that even Prince Salm and Major Hammerstein
-had no suspicion of the plan, while the Austrian
-hussars were dumbfounded when they found the
-Emperor starting for Quer&eacute;taro without them. Two
-men have been accused of persuading Maximilian to
-this rash and fatal step&mdash;Father Fischer and the
-Prussian ambassador, Baron Magnus. Dr. Basch,
-one of the few who were in the secret, denies this,
-however, and places the blame entirely on the two
-ministers, Lares and Marquez&mdash;the latter of whom
-had managed to win the Emperor&rsquo;s entire confidence
-by his eloquence and flattery. This seems the more
-probable since it was to their interest to remove
-Maximilian to a safe distance. Once already he
-had started for the coast. Why might he not do
-so again and with the aid of his Austrians succeed in
-reaching it and bidding adieu to the country forever?
-This must be prevented at all cost. As for leaving
-these loyal troops behind and trusting himself to
-the uncertain Mexicans, it must be remembered that
-Maximilian was completely deceived as to the real
-state of affairs. From his order to Dr. Basch it is
-evident he expected to return from Quer&eacute;taro in a
-short time. He wished also to give his Mexican
-subjects a proof of his confidence in them, a noble
-and chivalrous idea, no doubt, but most imprudent.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_88">88</div>
-<p>Marquez, on the other hand, was anxious to keep
-the Emperor under his own influence and away
-from that of his German friends, whose advice
-might seriously interfere with his plans. It was also
-important to leave the capital in safe hands, and no
-one realized more than Marquez the difference between
-the Austrian troops and his ragged Mexican
-soldiers, many of them wearing a uniform for the
-first time.</p>
-<p>It was doubtless for this reason that the plan was
-kept so secret. The Emperor&rsquo;s friends would surely
-have dissuaded him from taking such a step or, at
-least, have insisted on accompanying him. Indeed,
-when Kherenh&uuml;ller and Hammerstein heard that
-he was about to leave for Quer&eacute;taro, they tried their
-best to induce him to take them with him. As a
-last resort they even appealed to Father Fischer to
-use his influence in their behalf, but all in vain.
-Having promised his friend, Marquez, Maximilian
-felt he could not in honor retract his word.</p>
-<p>Shortly before setting out he took leave of his
-Austrian officers, assuring them that his reasons for
-taking this journey were purely political ones, and
-promising that they should soon follow. Prince
-Salm indeed did follow with a few trusted men,
-in spite of the Emperor&rsquo;s prohibition, overtaking the
-imperial party before they reached Quer&eacute;taro. Of
-the march thither Maximilian himself gives an interesting
-account in a letter to Professor Bilimek who
-had returned to Miramar some time before. In it
-he writes:</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_89">89</div>
-<p>&ldquo;As you will already have learned through the
-newspapers, our friends, the French, have at last
-left Mexico, and, having once more obtained liberty
-of action, we have exchanged the butterfly net for
-the sword. Instead of bugs and beetles we now
-pursue other game. Bullets instead of bees now
-buzz about our heads. Twice between Mexico and
-Quer&eacute;taro we were in action and had a number of
-our men killed and wounded. One of the latter fell
-just in front of my horse and was immediately
-operated on, under fire, by Dr. Basch, the only
-European who accompanied me. In the second
-skirmish, where we were shot at like targets, our
-Hungarian cook (you remember him?), who was
-riding behind us with our servant Grill, was wounded
-on the lip. In every town where there were no
-revolutionists we were welcomed most heartily by
-the people, whom we found longing for peace and
-cursing the French.&rdquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_90">90</div>
-<p>Maximilian reached Quer&eacute;taro on the nineteenth
-and was received with the enthusiasm to be expected
-from one of the strongest imperialist cities. The
-streets were thronged with curious spectators who
-hailed the Emperor&rsquo;s appearance with shouts of joy,
-while from windows and balconies, flags and gay
-hangings of all sorts waved a welcome. The Spanish
-casino had been selected and prepared as a residence
-for the Emperor, where he was received by the commandant
-of the city, General Escobar, after which
-the whole party attended a solemn Te Deum at the
-cathedral.</p>
-<p>In the evening there were great festivities, concluding
-with a magnificent banquet, at which there
-was no lack of those fine speeches wherein the
-Mexicans especially excel. Maximilian took no
-part in these celebrations, pleading fatigue as an
-excuse. Marquez, however, improved the occasion
-rudely to impress upon General Miramon the sense
-of their altered positions, he now being commander-in-chief
-and Miramon his inferior, at the same time
-openly displaying his satisfaction over the latter&rsquo;s
-recent defeat. Truly a noble soul! Although white
-with rage, Miramon controlled himself, replying
-briefly with a toast to the army.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_91">91</div>
-<p>For a time after his arrival in Quer&eacute;taro, Maximilian
-found the life very pleasant. His simple,
-kindly ways soon won the hearts of the people, with
-whom he mingled freely and fearlessly, joining in
-their amusements and conversing familiarly with all
-classes. His coolness under fire also roused the
-admiration of his soldiers, who cheered wildly as he
-rode calmly past their ranks, the enemy&rsquo;s bullets
-whistling about his head.</p>
-<p>In the capital, meanwhile, there was so little
-thought given to the Emperor and his companions
-in Quer&eacute;taro, and there was so little idea of keeping
-any of the promises made to him, it would almost
-seem that Marquez was not the only traitor. Soon
-after leaving Mexico, Maximilian had sent back
-word for the Austrian troops remaining there to
-follow him at once. Had this order been delivered,
-the expedition to Quer&eacute;taro might have had a
-different and less tragic ending. But, owing to
-Marquez, it never reached its destination, and the
-Emperor&rsquo;s loyal friends, Kherenh&uuml;ller and Hammerstein,
-were prevented from joining him while there
-was still time.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_92">92</div>
-<p>The city of Quer&eacute;taro had at this time a population
-of some forty thousand inhabitants. It lay in
-a narrow valley on the southern bank of a small
-stream, called the Rio Blanco, forming a quadrangle
-of about eight thousand feet in length by four thousand
-in breadth. To the west extended a wide
-plain, called from the mountains behind it the plain
-of Guadalajara, while running from south to northeast
-was a range of hills, afterward utilized by the
-republicans with great effect. Two places which
-proved of special importance to the imperialists
-during the siege were the Cerro de la Campa&ntilde;a, a
-hill lying just west of the city, and the Convent de
-la Cruz, almost at the opposite end. This was a
-large stone edifice of great strength, dating from the
-days of Cortez. The convent grounds were enclosed
-by heavy stone walls, and had at the eastern end a
-smaller but equally strong building known as the
-Pantheon or burial-place of the convent.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_93">93</div>
-<p>Two weeks after the Emperor&rsquo;s arrival (March
-fifth), the republican forces, under General Escobedo,
-appeared before Quer&eacute;taro and began to invest
-the town. The garrison consisted of about four
-thousand infantry, three thousand cavalry, and had
-forty-four cannon&mdash;a force so insignificant, compared
-with the vast armies of the present day, that it
-is remarkable it should have held out as long as it
-did against such overwhelming superiority of numbers.
-General Mejia had arrived at Quer&eacute;taro
-shortly before this, with his troops from Potosi,
-among whom were a number of German officers and
-soldiers, while serving under Miramon were some
-six hundred Frenchmen. Immediately after the
-appearance of the enemy, Maximilian held a council
-of war with his generals. Miramon and Mejia were
-in favor of attacking the republicans before their
-forces should have time to unite&mdash;an excellent plan
-which was not carried out owing to the opposition
-of the all-influential Marquez, who held that the
-defence of the city should be their first consideration.
-Thus precious time was allowed to pass, and the
-imperialists looked calmly on while the enemy
-gradually crowned the surrounding heights with
-batteries. The Emperor had first established his
-headquarters on the Cerro de la Campa&ntilde;a, but when
-the republicans extended their lines eastward, they
-were moved to the Convent de la Cruz (so called
-from a cross erected there in commemoration of the
-conquest). General Miramon now occupied the
-former headquarters with a battery of eight guns,
-while the chief defence of the town was entrusted to
-the Mexican Castillo, an able general, but no longer
-young and almost entirely deaf.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_94">94</div>
-<p>The enemy&rsquo;s next move was to cut off the city&rsquo;s
-supplies, both of water and provisions, hoping to
-subdue it by starvation. The only water now obtainable
-was that of the Rio Blanco, while meat soon
-grew so scarce that many of the cavalry horses had
-to be sacrificed. Juarez himself joined the republican
-camp for a time, but, being unable to endure
-the smell of powder, soon returned to Potosi. On the
-fourteenth of March the Juarists made their first
-general attack on the town, assaults being made on
-three sides at once, under cover of the batteries.
-The main struggle, however, took place at La Cruz.
-After a hot fight they succeeded in capturing the
-Pantheon, but were afterward driven out by a body
-of Austrians. During the attack Maximilian remained
-in the great square before the convent,
-exposed to the hottest fire, yet quite calm and
-apparently unconscious of the deadly hail of bullets
-all about him. Once a shell burst only a few paces
-in front of him, but fortunately no one was injured,
-though an adjutant had his sword bent and his
-clothes burned by a flying splinter. Prince Salm,
-always conspicuous for bravery, made a brilliant
-sortie and succeeded in capturing the first guns from
-the enemy.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_95">95</div>
-<p>By evening the Juarists had been repulsed at all
-points and driven back, but the victory proved
-barren in results. Lopez, for some reason, took no
-part in the action, while Marquez either would not
-or did not know how to follow up the advantage
-he had gained. As for Miramon, he distinguished
-himself a few days later. It had been planned to
-surprise the Juarists early on the morning of the
-sixteenth, and Miramon was chosen to lead the
-attack, from which great things were hoped. But
-the whole scheme fell through because&mdash;that general
-overslept!&mdash;a neglect of duty difficult to understand
-in these days. When he did at last awake it
-was broad daylight, and all thought of a surprise
-had to be abandoned.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_96">96</div>
-<p>On the twenty-first of March another council was
-held and an important decision arrived at. This
-was to send one of the generals back to the city of
-Mexico with full authority from the Emperor to act
-as he thought best. He was to dismiss the present
-ministry and form a new one, to obtain more funds,
-and, in any case, to return with aid to Quer&eacute;taro without
-delay. Marquez, for whom the place was getting
-much too warm by this time, had no difficulty
-in obtaining the appointment&mdash;a simple means of
-escaping the trap into which he had led his sovereign.
-Still trusting the traitor implicitly, Maximilian left
-it entirely to him whether to bring only a part of
-the troops from Mexico or the whole garrison. It
-was arranged that Marquez, with one thousand
-horsemen, was to make his way through the hills to
-the south, while Miramon, to divert the enemy&rsquo;s
-attention, made a sortie in the opposite direction.
-The plan was kept so secret that even Miramon had
-no suspicion of the real purpose of his expedition.
-This time he did not oversleep but successfully
-surprised the enemy at four in the morning, returning
-with twenty-two carts full of provisions and war
-material, sixty oxen, and some two hundred sheep
-and goats. Meanwhile Marquez and his troopers
-had passed through the enemy&rsquo;s lines unnoticed,
-leaving the imperialists the poorer by one thousand
-of their best men&mdash;no small loss to a garrison
-already so reduced.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_97">97</div>
-<p>The Juarists, now swelled by reinforcements to
-about forty thousand men, continued to harass the
-city by daily attacks from without, while their spies
-kept them accurately informed of all that passed
-within. The Emperor, unconscious of the treachery
-by which he was surrounded, still looked confidently
-for relief from Marquez. Days passed in ever-increasing
-suspense, while the situation of the
-besieged grew more and more critical. Marquez&rsquo;
-enemies began openly to hint at treachery, and at
-length even Maximilian lost faith. Now that it was
-too late his eyes were opened to the real nature of his
-&ldquo;friend,&rdquo; and, realizing that he had been betrayed,
-he determined to send Prince Salm on another mission
-to the capital&mdash;to arrest Marquez, if necessary,
-and return at once with reinforcements. An attempt
-was accordingly made on the twenty-second of April
-to break through the enemy&rsquo;s lines, but the city was
-by this time so closely invested that it was found
-to be useless. Meanwhile the republicans, fearing
-that the Emperor with his whole force might succeed
-in escaping from the city, caused reports of
-Marquez&rsquo; approach to be circulated by their spies,
-while false despatches, purporting to arrive from the
-capital, were smuggled through the lines in order to
-soothe the imperialists with vain hopes.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_98">98</div>
-<p>But what of Marquez while all Quer&eacute;taro watched
-so anxiously for his return? Where was he and
-what was he doing? He had arrived safely at the
-capital on the twenty-seventh of March with few
-losses, and, finding the city of Puebla hard pressed
-by the Juarist, Porfirio Diaz, determined to go to
-its relief. Though well aware of the urgency of the
-situation in Quer&eacute;taro, and the need of haste in
-executing his mission, he seems to have troubled
-himself little concerning it, and to have taken no
-steps toward sending the promised aid. The relief
-of Puebla he did indeed undertake, but here as in
-Quer&eacute;taro he made so many blunders that the
-attempt ended in utter failure and involved the
-needless sacrifice of many of Maximilian&rsquo;s brave
-Austrians.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_99">99</div>
-<h2 id="c15"><span class="h2line1">Chapter XV</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Downfall of the Mexican Empire</span></h2>
-<p>Meanwhile the situation in Quer&eacute;taro
-remained about the same from week to
-week. Thanks to the reports spread by
-republican spies, relief was still looked for, while
-frequent skirmishes enlivened the monotony in
-which both Miramon and Mejia distinguished
-themselves. Nor were they altogether without
-results, for on the twenty-seventh of April Miramon
-routed twelve thousand of the besiegers, captured
-twenty-one guns, and took a large number of prisoners.
-Yet neither of these generals seemed able
-to utilize their advantages. Whenever a victory
-was won, precious moments were wasted in useless
-celebrations, in true Mexican fashion, leaving the
-enemy plenty of time to recover lost ground.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_100">100</div>
-<p>At length, however, the Emperor was forced to
-abandon all hope of Marquez&rsquo; return and as a last
-resort began seriously to consider the possibility of
-breaking through the enemy&rsquo;s siege lines to the
-western plain whence they might be able to reach
-the mountains beyond. Once there they would be
-safe&mdash;for these were the native haunts of General
-Mejia, who knew every foot of the country and was
-certain to find support among the sturdy mountaineers&mdash;always
-a loyal race. Thither, too, the
-Juarists would be slow to follow. Being unwilling
-to leave the city without any military protection,
-Maximilian&rsquo;s first step was to issue a call for volunteers,
-to which hundreds of the townsfolk responded
-and were enrolled as recruits by Mejia, to whom
-their organization was entrusted. Meanwhile Prince
-Salm selected a body-guard of picked men for the
-Emperor. The attempt was to be made early on the
-morning of the fourteenth of May,&mdash;the chief command
-of the expedition being intrusted to Colonel
-Lopez, a proof of Maximilian&rsquo;s unbounded faith
-in this scoundrel. As to the sequence of events,
-Dr. Basch, who was an eye-witness, writes as follows:</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_101">101</div>
-<p>&ldquo;At eleven o&rsquo;clock on the night of the thirteenth,
-a council of war was held at which it was decided to
-defer our departure till the following night. This
-was at Mejia&rsquo;s request, the number of volunteers
-being so great he had been unable properly to arm or
-organize them in so short a time, and it was upon
-their help he largely depended for the success of the
-undertaking. Preparations had all been completed.
-We were ready for the march. Only such effects as
-could be carried with us on our horses were to be
-taken. The Emperor himself was very hopeful.
-&lsquo;I am glad,&rsquo; he said to me on the afternoon of the
-fourteenth, &lsquo;that the end has come at last and feel
-sure we shall succeed, partly because my good
-fortune has never yet failed me and also&mdash;call it
-superstition if you will&mdash;because to-morrow is my
-mother&rsquo;s name day&mdash;which is a good omen.&rsquo;</p>
-<p>&ldquo;The Emperor&rsquo;s luggage was divided among the
-escort&mdash;members of his suite each taking a part
-of his papers among their effects. The contents of
-His Majesty&rsquo;s privy purse were distributed between
-Salm, Lieutenant-colonel Pradillo, the Emperor&rsquo;s
-secretary, Blasio, Colonel Campos, commander of
-the body-guard, myself, and Lopez, the latter of
-whom expressed dissatisfaction on being handed
-his share because it was in silver and small coin
-instead of gold like the rest.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_102">102</div>
-<p>&ldquo;At ten o&rsquo;clock that night another postponement
-was made till the fifteenth, this time at the request
-of General Mendez, for what reason I am unable to
-say. About eleven the Emperor held a conference
-with Lopez concerning some details of the plan,
-and, made wakeful by excitement, did not retire
-until one. At half-past two he had me wakened.
-I went at once to his room and found him suffering
-with an attack of dysentery&mdash;a disease which had
-been making havoc in both camps owing to bad food
-and the effects of the rainy season. I stayed with
-him nearly an hour till the pain was relieved, then
-returned to my own room and lay down with my
-clothes on. The convent was then wrapped in deep
-stillness; not a sound was to be heard. Just before
-five I was suddenly aroused by two men bursting
-into my room, one of whom I recognized as Lieutenant
-Jablonski. &lsquo;Where is Prince Salm?&rsquo; they
-shouted, &lsquo;he must be awakened!&rsquo; and with these
-words they rushed out again. I sprang up at once.
-Something unusual must have occurred to bring them
-to headquarters at that hour. Without stopping
-to think about it, however, I roused my servant, who
-was sleeping in the same room, ordered him to saddle
-my horse as quickly as possible, and hastened in
-quest of Salm, whom I found already up and dressed.
-I asked him what was the matter. &lsquo;We are surprised,&rsquo;
-was his answer. &lsquo;Make haste and tell F&uuml;rstenw&auml;rther
-to have the hussars mount without delay.&rsquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_103">103</div>
-<p>&ldquo;I had just delivered this message when the
-Emperor&rsquo;s Mexican chamberlain, Severo, came and
-informed me that His Majesty wished to speak with
-me. Returning to his room, I found him already
-dressed. &lsquo;I do not think it is anything serious,&rsquo; he
-declared with the utmost calmness, &lsquo;but the enemy
-have forced their way into the courtyard. Get
-your pistol and follow me to the square.&rsquo;</p>
-<p>&ldquo;Grill, the steward, afterward told me during our
-imprisonment that the Emperor did not lose his
-presence of mind for a moment. While he was dressing
-he had his sword placed by the door unsheathed,
-to be at hand in case of need. In obedience to His
-Majesty&rsquo;s command I went to my room to buckle
-on my revolver and there my servant met me with
-the news that he had been stopped by a strange
-officer who had taken the saddle blankets from him.
-Having myself given the order for the hussars to
-mount, it was necessary for me to have my horse at
-once if I was to accompany the Emperor, so I told
-my servant to follow me and point out the officer
-who had prevented his obeying my orders. We
-met him in one of the passageways, wrapped in
-one of the blankets and carrying the other on his
-shoulder. As the Emperor had only spoken of the
-enemy as having entered the courtyard, I naturally
-supposed, meeting this man inside the convent, that
-he and the ten soldiers with him were our men and
-asked if he did not recognize me as the Emperor&rsquo;s
-physician. He tried to evade me, pointing to a
-staircase leading to the roof of the convent, and
-saying, &lsquo;Your blankets are up there.&rsquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_104">104</div>
-<p>&ldquo;Still in the dark as to the meaning of all this,
-and indignant at the unnecessary delay, I drew my
-revolver, whereupon the officer cried to the soldiers,
-&lsquo;<i>Desarme lo!</i>&rsquo; (Disarm him!) I saw a row of bayonets
-pointed at me and heard the click of triggers
-and in a flash the whole thing was clear to me.
-Any attempt at resistance would have been madness,
-so, escorted by the officer and his squad, I
-mounted the steps to the convent roof, which to
-my amazement I found crowded with republican
-troops. &lsquo;You are my prisoner!&rsquo; said the officer,
-now speaking for the first time. &lsquo;So I see!&rsquo; was my
-angry rejoinder. My revolver was then taken away
-from me, and Perez, for such was the officer&rsquo;s
-name, began to search my pockets with a dexterity
-that proved him no novice in the business. Naturally
-the well-filled money belt did not escape his
-deft fingers, nor my watch which I had with me, and
-this unexpected booty caused him to treat me with
-more favor. In spite of the danger of the situation,
-I could not refrain from drawing out my surgical
-case, which had been overlooked, and, offering it to
-Perez, inquiring whether he would not like that also.
-This voluntary gift, however, he did not accept nor
-did he take my note-book. There being no bank
-notes in Mexico, paper naturally did not interest
-him as much as coin or valuables, and my papers
-were left undisturbed in my pocket. I was then
-taken to the tower where the Emperor had so often
-exposed himself to the enemy&rsquo;s fire, and placed
-under the guard of two men.&rdquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_105">105</div>
-<p>So much for the physician&rsquo;s experiences on that
-eventful night. Meanwhile, after telling Dr. Basch
-to get his pistol and follow him, Maximilian, accompanied
-by Prince Salm, General Castillo, Lieutenant-colonel
-Pradillo, and Secretary Blasio, went out into
-the courtyard. At the gates they found one of
-the enemy&rsquo;s guards stationed, and standing near by
-were Colonel Lopez and Colonel Jos&eacute; Rincon Gallardo.
-The latter, to whom the Emperor was well
-known, said to the guard: &ldquo;Let them pass, they
-are civilians,&rdquo; and Maximilian and his companions
-walked out unmolested. From La Cruz they made
-their way to Miramon&rsquo;s headquarters on the Cerro
-de la Campa&ntilde;a, several other officers joining them
-on the way. The lines everywhere were already in
-the possession of the enemy and even the small
-body of cavalry they found assembled at the foot
-of the hill soon melted away, going over to the
-enemy little by little as their fears overcame them.
-Turning to Mejia, the Emperor asked if there was
-no possibility of breaking through with a few faithful
-followers, but Mejia sadly replied in the negative,
-saying any such attempt would be useless. Resigning
-himself to his fate, therefore, Maximilian ordered
-the white flag hoisted and a few moments later
-surrendered his sword to a republican officer who
-galloped up. The Emperor was a prisoner.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_106">106</div>
-<p>That afternoon at four o&rsquo;clock Escobedo sent the
-following telegram to the Juarist minister of war
-in Potosi:</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_107">107</div>
-<p>&ldquo;At three o&rsquo;clock this morning our troops captured
-the convent La Cruz. The garrison were
-taken prisoners, part of the enemy&rsquo;s troops having
-retreated to Cerro de la Campa&ntilde;a in great disorder
-and under fire from our artillery. About eight this
-morning Maximilian with his generals Mejia and
-Castillo surrendered at discretion. I beg to offer
-the President my congratulations on this great
-triumph of the national arms.</p>
-<p><span class="jr"><span class="sc">Mariano Escobedo.</span>&rdquo;</span></p>
-<p>A mighty triumph, indeed, for fifty thousand men
-to conquer a garrison of five thousand, exhausted
-by famine and disease, and that only by an act of
-treachery!</p>
-<p>As to the manner and conditions of Lopez&rsquo; betrayal,
-accounts vary. He is said to have been
-promised as much as ten thousand piastres by
-Escobedo. His accomplice in the plot was a certain
-Anton Jablonski, but the whole affair was
-managed with such adroitness that not one of the
-Emperor&rsquo;s friends had a suspicion of it. Lopez
-afterward published an emphatic denial of the
-accusation, which was supported by Escobedo and
-in which he had the audacity to appeal to Prince
-Salm for confirmation. The latter&rsquo;s reply, written
-during his imprisonment and after Maximilian&rsquo;s
-death, leaves nothing to be desired in the way of
-plain speaking. It runs in part as follows:</p>
-<p>&ldquo;To Miguel Lopez, former imperial Mexican
-colonel and author of the article entitled &lsquo;The
-Capture of Quer&eacute;taro&rsquo;:</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_108">108</div>
-<p>&ldquo;In this defence, addressed by you to your countrymen,
-to France, and to the world at large, you
-appeal to me as witness that Quer&eacute;taro did not fall
-by treachery and maintain that your statements
-bear the stamp of perfect truth. Although I, as you
-know, have been a prisoner of war for five months,
-my sense of justice will no longer allow me to be
-silent, for I can prove their utter falsity. You publicly
-declare that Quer&eacute;taro was captured by force
-of arms; that the Emperor commissioned you on
-the night of the fourteenth of May to negotiate with
-the enemy, his troops being completely demoralized
-and all hope of escape abandoned; and you dare
-any who maintain that Quer&eacute;taro fell by treachery
-to appear and dispute your assertions. I accept
-your challenge, therefore, and before the world proclaim
-you a traitor with the blood of your former
-sovereign and benefactor on your hands. It is not
-true that the Emperor commissioned you to negotiate
-with the enemy. I had the honor of conversing
-with His Majesty that night, after you had left
-him, and he had not then or at any other time the
-faintest idea of treating with the republicans. If
-his army was small, it was still brave and loyal
-enough to have fought a way out through the
-enemy&rsquo;s lines for its beloved sovereign, to whose
-character, as you well know, such a course as you
-describe would have been utterly foreign. This being
-the case, permit me, Senor Lopez, to ask you
-a few questions before the world.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_109">109</div>
-<p>&ldquo;Why, if you had been ordered to enter the
-enemy&rsquo;s lines, did you return about two o&rsquo;clock with
-a republican officer of high rank and bring him into
-La Cruz, the Emperor&rsquo;s headquarters? Why did
-you, contrary to the Emperor&rsquo;s wishes, and without
-my knowledge, order the Hungarian hussars to
-unsaddle, when I had already given them the
-Emperor&rsquo;s commands to remain saddled all night?
-Why, at such a dangerous time, did you remove from
-the Emperor&rsquo;s headquarters the guard upon whom
-the safety of La Cruz depended? Why were the
-eight guns which stood on the square in front of the
-convent turned with their muzzles toward the city?
-Why, at two o&rsquo;clock in the morning, did you take
-this republican general, dressed as a civilian and
-armed with a revolver, all through our fortifications?
-Why did you leave our lines before four o&rsquo;clock that
-morning, still with this same officer, and return in a
-quarter of an hour at the head of two of the enemy&rsquo;s
-battalions and lead them into the inner court of
-La Cruz, where you were met by your accomplice,
-Lieutenant Jablonski? How did it happen that you
-and Jablonski, both supposedly prisoners, should
-have informed the Emperor of the enemy&rsquo;s presence
-in La Cruz? How do you explain the fact that
-when His Majesty, with General Castillo and myself,
-were about to leave the convent, then already
-surrounded by the enemy, we were allowed at a
-word from you to pass as civilians, although the
-Emperor must have been already recognized and
-General Castillo and I were in full uniform? How
-was it that after our capture some of the republican
-officers named you as the traitor? How did it happen
-that you, a prisoner, were always at liberty?
-And, finally, how were you able to possess yourself
-of the imperial papers and various articles belonging
-to His Majesty, such as his silver toilet service,
-which, by the way, have never appeared again?</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_111">111</div>
-<p>&ldquo;To all of this, Se&ntilde;or Miguel Lopez, you cannot
-honestly and honorably reply; the facts speak for
-themselves and proclaim you both traitor and murderer.
-Why did you betray your Emperor and
-benefactor? Because, in the first place, you wished
-to be revenged on him for withholding from you
-the General&rsquo;s commission which he had already
-signed. In case you should not know his reason
-for this, then learn now that it was because a brave
-man, whose blood is also on your hands and whose
-name I will not mention, lest you take revenge on
-those he has left behind, had presented to His
-Majesty a private document dismissing you from the
-army for infamous conduct during Santa Anna&rsquo;s
-presidency and forbidding your ever holding a
-government office again.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_112">112</div>
-<p>&ldquo;And, secondly, Se&ntilde;or Lopez, you were moved
-by fear. Seeing that something decisive must soon
-occur and fearing, in case of our defeat, for your
-future and for your life, you hoped by this shameful
-treachery to clear your past account with the republicans,
-as indeed you did. Your third attempt at
-treason failed, for a short time after the Emperor
-had been made prisoner, finding your hopes disappointed,
-you sent a person known to us both to
-him with offers to betray your new confederates.
-In my presence this person attempted to pave the
-way for you to approach the Emperor, overtures
-that were naturally rejected with contempt. A
-man may choose his own course in life, but he
-must be true to his principles. You have not only
-been false to yours but have also committed the
-most infamous of all crimes&mdash;that of treason&mdash;and
-broken the oath you took to the imperial
-cause. The name of Miguel Lopez may become
-famous, no doubt, but it will never be mentioned
-in the annals of Mexico or of the world save with
-deepest abhorrence and contempt.&rdquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_113">113</div>
-<h2 id="c16"><span class="h2line1">Chapter XVI</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">The Emperor&rsquo;s Imprisonment</span></h2>
-<p>After Maximilian had surrendered his sword
-to the republican commander on the Cerro
-de la Campa&ntilde;a he was taken back to his
-old quarters at the convent, his physician and two
-attendants, Grill and Severo, being allowed to join
-him later.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;It was with a heavy heart,&rdquo; writes Dr. Basch,
-&ldquo;that I approached the Emperor&rsquo;s door, before which
-a guard was posted. I opened it and paused a
-moment on the threshold to compose myself, but
-His Majesty came up at once and embraced me,
-weeping. Quickly controlling himself, however, he
-pressed my hand and turned away, sighing deeply.
-A mournful silence followed. Now for the first
-time I perceived that Salm, Blasio, Pachta, and
-Pradillo were also in the room. For a time the
-Emperor paced up and down, lost in thought, but
-at last he spoke, this time more calmly.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_114">114</div>
-<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;I am glad,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;that it all happened
-without more bloodshed. That much at least has been
-accomplished. I feared for you all.&rsquo;</p>
-<p>&ldquo;Although he had been so ill the night before,
-excitement had sustained him during the events
-that had since occurred. Now, however, the attack
-returned and he was forced to go to bed suffering
-greatly. Having, in our present situation, no remedies
-at hand to relieve his distress, I was greatly
-surprised when the Emperor produced a small box
-of pills which I had given him the night before.
-&lsquo;You see,&rsquo; he declared, &lsquo;how important it is not to
-lose one&rsquo;s presence of mind. This morning when
-we were surprised I remembered to put this in my
-pocket.&rsquo;&rdquo;</p>
-<p>Maximilian&rsquo;s room had been completely rifled
-during his absence. Personal effects, books, clothing,
-and documents all had disappeared, having been
-appropriated by Lopez as souvenirs of his former
-benefactor. During the forenoon the Emperor was
-visited by several of the republican officers, among
-whom was Colonel Jos&eacute; Gallardo, who had permitted
-him to leave La Cruz the preceding night&mdash;a
-mistaken kindness, as it proved, for Maximilian, in
-consequence, had been arrested in arms and thereby
-made himself liable to that fatal decree of October
-third, which he had tried to revoke on his way to
-Orizaba.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_115">115</div>
-<p>Most of the imperial generals who had remained
-loyal were confined in a room adjoining the Emperor&rsquo;s.
-Mendez remained in hiding, but, his plan
-of concealment being betrayed a few days later, he
-was taken out and shot. Miramon had been shot
-in the face with a revolver by one of his own adjutants
-while attempting to rally his troops on the
-Cerro, the morning of the surrender, and was at his
-own quarters. The prisoners were treated with
-scant consideration. A rich merchant of the town
-supplied Maximilian&rsquo;s table, with the remains from
-which his companions were obliged to content themselves.
-The Emperor soon grew so much worse that
-his physician became alarmed and asked that one
-of the republican army surgeons might be called in.
-Dr. Riva de Nejra was sent to visit the august
-prisoner and advised a change of residence, declaring
-the present one most unfit in his condition of
-health.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_116">116</div>
-<p>On the morning of the seventeenth, therefore,
-Maximilian was taken to the former convent,
-Santa Teresa, in a carriage, guarded by a troop
-of cavalry, his companions being forced to walk.
-As they passed through the city, the streets were
-deserted, the inhabitants considerately retiring into
-their houses, the windows of which even were
-closed. Not a soul was to be seen anywhere.
-The new quarters of the prisoners consisted of
-two large rooms, absolutely bare and empty. After
-some trouble a bed and chairs were procured for
-the Emperor&rsquo;s use, while the others were left to
-make themselves comfortable on the floor of the
-adjoining apartment. Fortunately they managed to
-obtain some saddle blankets to sleep on and the Emperor
-sent out and bought coverings, combs, brushes,
-and soap.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;These republicans,&rdquo; says Dr. Basch, &ldquo;seem convinced
-they are treating us with the greatest care
-and magnanimity, their idea of humanity being
-apparently to permit us to breathe. Unless we can
-wait on ourselves we must go hungry and dirty.&rdquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_117">117</div>
-<p>In spite of these hardships, however, the change
-made a perceptible improvement in Maximilian&rsquo;s
-health, and his painful symptoms gradually disappeared.
-Juarez&rsquo; delay in taking any action in
-regard to the fate of the prisoners encouraged the
-Emperor&rsquo;s friends to expect a favorable outcome of
-the affair&mdash;a hope that was rudely dispelled, however,
-when the Princess Salm arrived at Quer&eacute;taro
-on the twentieth of May and revealed to her husband
-the danger in which Maximilian really stood.
-It was apparent even to the republicans that Juarez
-was determined to have his life. The Princess made
-the most heroic efforts to save him, shrinking from
-no dangers and no exertion in his behalf, but all in
-vain. The Emperor&rsquo;s guard was not always strictly
-kept, and had not treachery lurked at every turn,
-his escape might have been effected. Such an
-attempt was finally made, indeed, but it was then
-too late.</p>
-<p>On the twenty-second of May Maximilian was
-again transferred, this time to the Capuchin monastery,
-with Prince Salm and Generals Mejia and
-Miramon. The other officers, Dr. Basch, and the
-Emperor&rsquo;s servants were left behind, expecting to
-follow shortly. As hour after hour passed, however,
-and no one came, feeling that anything was possible
-in this barbarous country, they were seized with
-the fear that Maximilian and his companions might
-have been already shot without any warning. At
-last, however, an officer appeared, about eight o&rsquo;clock
-in the evening, with the long-looked-for orders.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_118">118</div>
-<p>&ldquo;The first person I saw in the monastery,&rdquo; relates
-Dr. Basch, &ldquo;was Salm. &lsquo;Where is the Emperor?&rsquo;
-I asked.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;His Majesty is in the crypt,&rsquo; he replied, but
-quickly added, seeing my horror at these words,
-&lsquo;Calm yourself, he is alive, but really in the crypt.
-I will take you to him.&rsquo;</p>
-<p>&ldquo;As the door was opened a rush of cold air greeted
-me, rank with dampness and decay. In the far
-corner of a huge vault, the burial-place of the monastery,
-was a bed, and on it lay the Emperor reading
-C&aelig;sar. A small table beside him held a lighted
-candle. &lsquo;They have not had time to prepare a
-room for me,&rsquo; he remarked, smiling quietly, &lsquo;so I am
-obliged temporarily to take up my abode with the
-dead.&rsquo; I spent that night in the crypt alone with
-the Emperor, making my bed on a large slab apparently
-used as a bier, but after the hours of anxiety
-I had endured that afternoon, I had no trouble in
-sleeping even amid those surroundings.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>Bitter as Juarez was against Maximilian, he was
-not in Quer&eacute;taro at this time, but at Potosi, and
-therefore cannot be held responsible for the atrocious
-treatment accorded the unfortunate Emperor, whose
-calm and cheerful acceptance of these indignities
-cannot but rouse the deepest admiration.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_119">119</div>
-<p>The next day he was taken from the crypt and
-lodged in a dark narrow cell, similar to those assigned
-his companions in misfortune, all opening on a small
-court so that the prisoners could be easily guarded.
-It soon became evident that there was no hope of
-any compromise in the Emperor&rsquo;s case. Juarez
-insisted that it should be decided by a Mexican
-court-martial&mdash;the outcome of which was a foregone
-conclusion. Maximilian&rsquo;s death had already
-been determined upon and any trial would be merely
-a pretext to throw dust in the eyes of the world.</p>
-<p>Princess Salm, with the aid of a German merchant,
-named Stephen, and the vice-consul from
-Hamburg, made another attempt at rescue, which
-might have proved successful had not Maximilian
-refused to go without Miramon and Mejia, who
-were to be tried with him. Miramon appears to
-have revealed the plan to his wife, who, in turn,
-betrayed it to the enemy, so it resulted in only
-stricter measures. All the prisoners were removed
-from the Capuchin monastery with the exception of
-Maximilian and his two generals, over whom a
-much stronger guard was placed.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_120">120</div>
-<p>On the twelfth of June, 1867, General Escobedo
-issued an order arraigning Ferdinand Maximilian,
-Archduke of Austria, and his confederates, the &ldquo;so-called&rdquo;
-generals, Don Miguel Miramon and Don
-Tomas Mejia, before a court-martial to answer for
-crimes against the nation and against law and
-order. The charges against Maximilian were thirteen
-in number, an absurd and incongruous medley, the
-chief of which were that he had broken his personal
-guarantees; that he had served as an instrument
-of the French; and that he had assumed the position
-of a usurper and authorized atrocities of every
-description, such as the decree of October 3, 1865.</p>
-<p>The trial opened at eight o&rsquo;clock on the morning
-of June thirteenth in the Iturbide theatre, the
-interior of which was brilliantly illuminated, the
-galleries filled with spectators, all of whom displayed
-the deepest interest in the proceedings. At the
-right sat the judges, consisting of a lieutenant-colonel
-and six captains, all very young and selected
-with little or no regard for the important questions
-involved. Opposite them were placed the benches
-for the accused and their advocates, Generals Mejia
-and Miramon arriving at the theatre about nine in
-a carriage under a strong guard.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_121">121</div>
-<p>The president opened the session, and the attorney
-for the government, Manuel Aspiroz, read the
-charges, together with the Emperor&rsquo;s protest against
-this form of trial and the legality of all steps taken
-against his person under the law of January 25,
-1862, which was intended for native rebels and
-not applicable to him as a foreigner. Lastly, medical
-evidence in regard to the Emperor&rsquo;s condition
-of health was produced, with a petition for more
-healthful accommodations.</p>
-<p>General Mejia was first summoned to answer
-before this tribunal, and his advocate, Vega, made
-a brilliant speech in his defence, dwelling on his
-bravery and loyalty as well as the distinguished
-services he had rendered to his native land. Miramon&rsquo;s
-attorneys, Jauregui and Moreno, employed
-the same line of argument.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_122">122</div>
-<p>Maximilian did not appear in person before the
-court. He was defended by two of the foremost
-lawyers in Mexico, Vazquez and Ortega, both
-distinguished for learning and eloquence. They
-directed their main arguments against the competency
-of such a court for the case. Maximilian
-was not a usurper, as charged, declared Vazquez,
-for he had come by invitation of a representative
-council, confirmed by popular vote. He had refused,
-in fact, to accept the crown until such vote had been
-assured. Whether this had been given fraudulently,
-he, as a foreigner on the other side of the ocean, had
-no means of discovering, nor had he any reason to
-regard himself as other than a legitimate sovereign&mdash;the
-ovation accorded him on his arrival naturally
-tending to strengthen him in this conviction. He
-had brought no troops but came peaceably, accompanied
-only by his household. Neither had he
-served as a tool for the French, for from the very
-first he had striven against their interference; the
-constant friction between him and the French commanders
-having finally led to the withdrawal of the
-French troops.</p>
-<p>Ortega protested vigorously against the imputation
-of Maximilian&rsquo;s cruelty. The severe decree of
-October 3, 1865, was issued on the advice of his
-ministry and in the belief that Juarez had abandoned
-Mexican territory. Its object had been chiefly to
-intimidate, for no man ever sued in vain for mercy
-from Maximilian, whose clemency and magnanimity
-were well known. He concluded with an appeal to
-the honor and sympathy of the republicans, urging
-them not to abuse their victory and stain their laurels
-with a bloody and useless execution.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_123">123</div>
-<p>But his defenders&rsquo; brilliant eloquence was powerless
-to save Maximilian. His sentence had been fixed
-long since. The whole trial was the merest farce,
-a spectacle prepared by Juarez and his friends. It
-was most fitting that a theatre should have been
-chosen for its performance!</p>
-<p>The public session of the court ended on the
-fourteenth of June. At eleven o&rsquo;clock that night
-the Emperor Maximilian and his two generals were
-unanimously pronounced guilty and condemned to
-be shot, Escobedo confirming the sentence on the
-sixteenth and ordering the execution to take place
-that afternoon at three o&rsquo;clock.</p>
-<p>Mexico was now completely in the hands of the
-Juarists, with the exception of Vera Cruz and the
-capital, where Marquez was playing a singular game
-and needlessly sacrificing the Emperor&rsquo;s brave
-Austrians. With the downfall of the imperial cause,
-however, this scoundrel passes out of our history.
-Once, during his imprisonment, Maximilian said to
-his physician: &ldquo;If both Marquez and Lopez were
-given to me to deal with as I chose, I would free the
-coward Lopez, but Marquez, the cold-blooded and
-deliberate traitor, I would hang.&rdquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_124">124</div>
-<h2 id="c17"><span class="h2line1">Chapter XVII</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Death of Maximilian and his Generals</span></h2>
-<p>The news that the Emperor and his two
-generals, Mejia and Miramon, had been sentenced
-to death, aroused widespread sympathy
-and Juarez was besieged with petitions for
-mercy, even Garibaldi, who certainly was no friend
-to the house of Hapsburg, being among the pleaders.
-The Prussian ambassador, Baron von Magnus, hastened
-to Potosi to intercede personally in behalf of
-Maximilian, and used every effort to secure a pardon,
-but in vain. All that he was able to obtain was a
-reprieve of two days, the execution of the sentence
-being postponed till seven o&rsquo;clock on the morning
-of the nineteenth.</p>
-<div class="img" id="pic3">
-<img src="images/p3.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="540" />
-<p class="caption"><i>LAST MOMENTS OF EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN</i></p>
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_125">125</div>
-<p>Prince Salm being still a prisoner and powerless
-to act, his wife made one last desperate attempt
-to bring about the Emperor&rsquo;s escape by flight, but
-again the plan was frustrated by the fatal treachery
-that seemed to pursue Maximilian at every turn in
-Mexico. The Princess Salm was put into a carriage
-and sent out of Quer&eacute;taro under a military guard,
-while all the diplomatic representatives were ordered
-by Escobedo to leave the city at two hours&rsquo; notice.
-Meanwhile the Emperor and his companions prepared
-for death. They received the sacrament from
-Father Soria and spent their last hours communing
-with the confessors who were to accompany them
-on their last journey. Maximilian, calm and serene
-as in happier days, conversed cheerfully with Dr.
-Basch and his lawyers, Ortega and Vazquez, who
-had come to bid him farewell. On parting with the
-physician he charged him to carry back to his
-friends and family in Vienna a report of the siege
-and of his last days.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;Tell my mother,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;that I have done my
-duty as a soldier and die a good Christian.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>At three o&rsquo;clock, the time originally set for the
-execution, all was ready for the last march to the
-Cerro de la Campa&ntilde;a. The officer in command of
-the firing squad begged for forgiveness with tears in
-his eyes, but the Emperor calmed him, saying: &ldquo;You
-are a soldier and must obey your orders.&rdquo; For a
-whole hour they waited for the summons, but none
-came. At last, about four o&rsquo;clock, an officer arrived
-with the announcement that the execution had been
-postponed till the nineteenth, the order having only
-just arrived by wire from Potosi an hour before.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_126">126</div>
-<p>&ldquo;This is hard,&rdquo; exclaimed Maximilian, &ldquo;for I had
-already finished with the world.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>He availed himself of the delay, however, to dictate
-several farewell letters to his physician, among them
-one of thanks to his captive officers for their loyalty
-and a touching appeal to his implacable enemy,
-Juarez, to prevent further bloodshed and let his death
-serve to promote the peace and welfare of his adopted
-country. Even now Baron von Magnus made one
-more effort to save the Emperor&rsquo;s life. On the
-eighteenth of June he sent a telegram to the Juarist
-minister, Lerdo de Tejada, offering to secure guarantees
-from all the leading sovereigns of Europe that
-none of the three prisoners should ever again set
-foot on Mexican soil or disturb the country in
-any way. But Juarez was inexorable. In reply to
-the Baron&rsquo;s despatch Minister Tejada stated that
-the President of the Republic was convinced that the
-cause of justice and the future peace of the country
-required the death of the prisoners.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_127">127</div>
-<p>At last the fatal morning of Wednesday, June
-19, 1867, dawned. At five o&rsquo;clock Father Soria
-came to celebrate mass, and at half past six the
-republican officer who had charge of the execution
-arrived. The three prisoners, dressed in black,
-entered carriages, each with his confessor, and were
-driven slowly to the place of execution, which was
-surrounded by a guard of four thousand men. On
-alighting, the Emperor embraced his two companions,
-promising they should soon meet in another
-world, and then walked with dignity to the spot
-assigned at the foot of a hill in front of a shattered
-wall. Here he placed Miramon in the centre,
-saying, &ldquo;A brave soldier is respected by his sovereign;
-permit me to yield you the place of honor.&rdquo;
-Turning to Mejia, who had been unnerved by the
-sight of his wife running through the streets frantic
-with grief, he said: &ldquo;General, what has not been
-rewarded on earth will certainly be in heaven.&rdquo;
-After distributing some gold pieces among the
-soldiers who were to do the firing, he said in a
-firm voice: &ldquo;May my blood be the last shed in
-sacrifice for this country, and if more is required,
-let it be for the good of the nation, never by
-treason.&rdquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_128">128</div>
-<p>The signal to fire was then given and the three
-fell simultaneously, Maximilian&rsquo;s body pierced by
-six bullets. The Mexican Empire had ceased to
-exist, and the noble Hapsburger had laid down his
-life for the welfare of an ungrateful people.</p>
-<p>General Escobedo had promised the Emperor
-before his death that his body should be delivered
-to Baron von Magnus to be taken back to Europe,
-yet in spite of this the ambassador had much trouble
-in obtaining possession of it. He was ill himself
-for a time with fever and had to be taken to Potosi.
-After many delays, however, the remains were
-finally given into his custody on November twelfth
-and, attended by Vice-admiral von Tegetthof, his two
-adjutants, and Doctor Basch, were taken to Vera
-Cruz with a cavalry escort of one hundred men, and
-placed on board the <i>Novara</i>, the same vessel which
-but three years before had conveyed Maximilian to
-his adopted country and to his doom. On the
-fifteenth of January, 1868, the <i>Novara</i> arrived at
-Trieste. A special train conveyed the coffin to
-Vienna, where, three days later, the body of Archduke
-Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria was buried
-in the imperial vault in the Capuchin church.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_129">129</div>
-<h2 id="c18"><span class="h2line1">Chapter XVIII</span>
-<br /><span class="h2line2">Conclusion</span></h2>
-<p>As there may be some curiosity as to the later
-history of those who so shamefully betrayed
-the Emperor Maximilian, a word as to
-their fate may not be amiss.</p>
-<p>His murderer, Juarez, proved himself unable to
-restore peace and tranquillity in the country. He
-attained his ambition, however, when he was again
-made President, and this sufficed for him. He did
-not long survive the victim of his cruelty and revenge,
-dying, in Mexico, July 18, 1872. His friend, Escobedo,
-received from General Mejia his only son as
-a legacy&mdash;one that was to prove a constant reminder
-of his treachery. Twice the Juarist chief
-had owed his life to Mejia&rsquo;s generosity, yet he had
-not hesitated in turn to sign the latter&rsquo;s death-warrant.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_130">130</div>
-<p>Napoleon Third&rsquo;s subsequent career has passed
-into history. Losing battle after battle, and finally
-his throne, in the war of 1870, he surrendered his
-sword to King William First of Prussia on the second
-of September of that year and was taken to
-Wilhelmsh&ouml;he at Cassel as a prisoner of war, where
-he received very different treatment from that
-accorded the captive Emperor in Quer&eacute;taro. After
-the conclusion of peace he retired to England, where
-he died at Chiselhurst.</p>
-<p>A yet more tragic fate befell Marshal Fran&ccedil;ois
-Achille Bazaine. During the Franco-Prussian War
-he was besieged in Metz by Prince Friedrich Karl
-and forced to surrender with about one hundred and
-seventy thousand men. He was taken to Cassel,
-where he shared Napoleon&rsquo;s imprisonment. Accused
-by the French not only of cowardice and incapacity
-but also of treason, he was tried by court-martial
-and condemned to death. There being no bloodthirsty
-Juarez in France, however, the sentence was
-commuted to twenty years&rsquo; imprisonment on the
-Island of Sainte Marguerite, near Cannes. He
-succeeded in escaping, with the help of his wife, and
-fled to Madrid, where he lived in poverty and obscurity
-and died in 1888, forgotten by the world and
-deserted by his wife, who returned to her native
-Mexico.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_131">131</div>
-<p>Marquez escaped from the city of Mexico, hiding
-the first night, it is said, in a coffin, and, continuing
-his flight at daylight toward the north, succeeded in
-reaching Texas. His subsequent history is unknown.
-After betraying the imperial army, Lopez prepared
-to enjoy the reward of his treason, but it was flatly
-refused him. Despised alike by friend and foe, and
-even by his own wife, he led a wretched existence,
-employing himself in vain attempts to vindicate his
-treachery.</p>
-<p class="center"><span class="gs">* * * * * * * *</span></p>
-<p>Doubtless Maximilian made many grave mistakes,
-but from the foregoing pages it is plain that
-both he and his wife went to Mexico with the noblest
-aims and full of enthusiasm for the mission, to the
-difficulties of which they finally succumbed. Yet
-the sacrifice was not wholly in vain, for the last
-struggle has served to embalm the memory of the
-Emperor Maximilian First of Mexico as a brave
-and chivalrous prince, while that of his enemies is
-held in merited contempt.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_132">132</div>
-<p>On the spot where Maximilian and his two generals
-so gallantly met their fate on the nineteenth of
-June, 1867, a memorial chapel has been erected, to
-which throngs of Mexicans of all classes annually
-make a pilgrimage on the anniversary of that day,
-as indeed they did previously, when only a simple
-gravestone marked the place of death.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_133">133</div>
-<h2 id="c19">Appendix</h2>
-<p>The following is a chronological statement of important
-events connected with Maximilian:</p>
-<table class="center">
-<tr><td>1832</td><td>Birth of Maximilian.</td></tr>
-<tr><td>1850-57</td><td>Marine service.</td></tr>
-<tr><td>1857</td><td>Marriage to Carlotta.</td></tr>
-<tr><td>1859</td><td>Retires to Miramar.</td></tr>
-<tr><td>1863</td><td>Mexican Embassy visits Miramar.</td></tr>
-<tr><td>1864</td><td>Coronation ceremony.</td></tr>
-<tr><td>1864</td><td>Arrival in Mexico.</td></tr>
-<tr><td>1865</td><td>Revolutionary uprisings.</td></tr>
-<tr><td>1866</td><td>The Empress goes to Europe.</td></tr>
-<tr><td>1867</td><td>Departure of the French.</td></tr>
-<tr><td>1867</td><td>Downfall of the Mexican Empire.</td></tr>
-<tr><td>1867</td><td>Execution of Maximilian.</td></tr>
-</table>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_134">134</div>
-<div class="box">
-<p class="center">LIFE STORIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p>
-<p class="center"><i>Translated from the German by</i>
-<br /><span class="small">GEORGE P. UPTON</span></p>
-<p class="center"><span class="sc">36 Volumes Now Ready</span></p>
-<p class="center"><i>American Explorers</i></p>
-<dl class="undent"><dt><span class="sc">Columbus</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Pizarro</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Cortes</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Eric the Red and Leif the Lucky, and Other Pre-Columbian Discoveries of America</span></dt></dl>
-<p class="center"><i>Historical and Biographical</i></p>
-<dl class="undent"><dt><span class="sc">Washington</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Franklin</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Penn</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Maximilian</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Barbarossa</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">William of Orange</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Maria Theresa</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">The Maid of Orleans</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Frederick the Great</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">The Little Dauphin</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Herman and Thusnelda</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">The Swiss Heroes</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Marie Antoinette&rsquo;s Youth</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">The Duke of Brittany</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Louise, Queen of Prussia</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">The Youth of the Great Elector</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Emperor William First</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Elizabeth, Empress of Austria</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Charlemagne</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Prince Eugene</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Eug&eacute;nie, Empress of the French</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Queen Maria Sophia of Naples</span></dt></dl>
-<p class="center"><i>Musical Biography</i></p>
-<dl class="undent"><dt><span class="sc">Beethoven</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Mozart</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Johann Sebastian Bach</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Joseph Haydn</span></dt></dl>
-<p class="center"><i>Legendary</i></p>
-<dl class="undent"><dt><span class="sc">Frithjof Saga</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Gudrun</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">The Nibelungs</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">William Tell</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Arnold of Winkelried</span></dt>
-<dt><span class="sc">Undine</span></dt></dl>
-<p class="center">Illustrated. Each 50 cents <i>net</i>
-<br />A. C. McCLURG &amp; CO., <span class="sc">Chicago</span></p>
-</div>
-<h2>Transcriber&rsquo;s Notes</h2>
-<ul>
-<li>Copyright notice provided as in the original&mdash;this e-text is public domain in the country of publication.</li>
-<li>In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)</li>
-<li>Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and dialect unchanged.</li>
-</ul>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
-
-
-
-
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