The Waynesburg Republican. [volume] (Waynesburg, Pa.) 1867-18??, 1867-07-31

.aleS entered the cnapei Wlth the pahu
lges in his hand to cover the prisoners
Eyes. Miramon quietly allowed him
o cover his eyes, but Mejia refused,
md as the captain was about to take
measures to overcome his resistance,
the bishoY uttered something to the
Indian ch:e,, who at once became sub
missive. But the Emperor, advancing,
declared that he would not allow his
eyes to be bandaged. After few
moments of hesitation, Gonzales salu-
ted Maximilian with kind look and
placed himself at the head Of the es-
cort.
The procession at once fell into line.
A squadron of lancers led the way,
followed by the band, which played
dead march. A battalion of infantry
formed two lines, each fourteen deep,
between which lines were the prisoners.
When the procession reached the main
door of the convent Mejia cried out,
"Sire, for the last time show us again
the example of your noble courage
we follow in the footsteps of your
Majesty" Just at this moment the
Franciscans were passing. The first
two bore the cross and the holy water,
the remainder bore lighted tapers.
Each of the three collins were borne
by four Indians, and the three black
crosses, with the prisoners seats, were
borne along at the rear Captain
Gonzales at this point made sign to
Maximilian to step out into the street.
He obcyed, advancingvery courageous
ly as he said in his broken Spanish,
Tamos nos a la Hbertad. Uet us ad-
vance to our freedom.)
The Execution.
The procession then wended its way
along the Calle del Cementerio behind
the church and along the route by the
aqueduct. In short while it had the
whole plain in full view, and the view
from below was imposing indeed. The
Emperor marched first, with the Able
Fischer on his right, and the bishop on
his left. Behind him came Miramon,
resting on the arms of two Francis
cans, and Mejia supported by the two
priests belonging to the parish of Santa
Cruz. When they had reached the
top of the height de la Campana
Maximilian looked fixedly towards the
rising sun; then drawing from his
pocket his watch, touched its spring
and produced a miniature likeness o
the Empress Carlotta. He brough
the image to his lips, kissed it, and thel
handing it by the chain to Fathe
Fischer, said: Garry this souvenir t.
Europe for my dear wife; and shoul'
she ever be able to understand you
tell her that my eyes were closed witt
t her likeness, which l will bear with m
to heavenp The point which tn
cortege had reached is near the bi!
, wall of the cemetery. The bells o
9 the churches were tolling, and the i'm
mediate witnesses of the scene wer
!. but few, as the crowd had been KEEP
: back by the soldiery.
e The three black crosses and tn
r prisoners benches were fixed agains
J. the wall, and the three firing platoon
| composed Of five men each, wit
: two under officers to each platoon il
reserve for the coup de grace-advanc
ed to within three PAGES of the con
y demned. The Emperor, when he hear
r the clicking of the firelocks, though
!. they were about to fire, and approach
: ing his two companions embraced ther
j with touching earncstness. Miramo
: was so affected that he almost fell owe
r on his seat, but the Franciscans stretch
t ed his arms out in the attitude of
g cross. Mejia returned the Emperor
s embrace with great affection and uttel
It ed some broken words that no or
is could distinguish, and crossing h
l. arms on his breast stood up nobl..
e The bishop, advancing to Maximilia1
a said: "Sire, in my person, bestow upo
II all Mexico the kiss of reconciliation
o Let your Majesty forgive all at tn
d supreme moment" The Empero
lie agitated to the utmost, allowed Il
l. good bishop to embrace him amid tt
rt most profound silence. All of SUI
y den raising his voice, he cried ou
4 "Tell Lopez that | forgive him h
'r treason. Tell all Mexico that 1 70
al give her her crime" He then shoe
le hands with the Able Fischer, wi
a. could not utter word from emotio
and who then fell at the Emperor
or feet and shed copiUus tears while
OF kissed Maximilian's hand. Many b
ne sides the Abbe were shedding tears all
70 The Emperor gently withdrew ]
he hand, and moving forward said with
he sad and apparently ironic smile to t
It. officer in command of the firing party
zee A la disposition de Y, (Atyour disp'
I'M al, sir.)
OF When the officer gave the signal
IS "aim," Macmillan uttered somethi
ng in German which the report of |
it muskets drowned to the hearers. M
ITO anon rolled over as if struck with
his bolt. Meiia, who was standing, b
the air with his hands a few tin
m before he fell, and shot in the
by finished his pain. The Emperor
X over on the cross, which kept him
ION and from which he was picked up al
having been dispatched.
i The interment took place in
aes cemetery, and the Bishop Of Queret
his performed the absolution.
nd --O-
CII. .u,o,x Ahn oIao<sAvS ~