The Shasta courier., 1867-11-30
Maximiiiian--Eis Appearance and Habits.

Since the cruel execution Of Queretaro a
great many portraits, representing the SOW
ereign of Mexico, have been offered to the
public. But, however ife-like and reliable
these photogra phic reproductions may be.
they unable to render that harmony
which imparts to the whole face special
charm. No marble no painting, no sketch
has been able to reproduce satisfactorily the
expression of his sweet and sympathetic
countenance, which, in its graceful, obong
form. was impressed with truly royal
distinction. No camera was able to repro
duce the charming glance of those eyes so
prematurely closed, and their sparkling fire
in moments of JOY and pleasure.
Maximilian possessed a tall, noble form.
which excuses the dimensions of his feet,
which were very long. His gait was slow
and majestic, without seeming affected, and
in walking he threw his legs to the right
and left, as sailors are in the habit of doing.
The singularity in his gait is easily explain
ed by the fact that the prince was saipr for
many years.
The Emperor was absolutely bald lie
had kept only some hair on his temples and
behind his head. His barber them for him
every day by line drawn in the middle
they were then brushed forward and pasted
with pomatum 70 the scalp, in order to con-
ceal the princes badness
On the other hand, his long and dense
beard flowed down on his breast where II d.
vidcd into two slken tufts. which Maximil-
ian on conver>ng with anybody was in the
habit Of seizng with hishand. The Emper
or used this gesture always. and drew ike
wise his mustache to the ends of the longer
hair through the rings into which he formed
his fingers
A short time previous to his downfall,
Maximlian had expressed his intention of
having his beard shaved off, with the excep
ton Of his mu~tache and goatce. He said
his beard was by no means rumi ,matic, and
he asserted that he looked sad on
coins and medals. Bat he had deferred his
project to a later time, because he had been
told that great many coins had been cain-
ed with his ef}igy, and that this modification
would necesstare some exceediagly expen-
sive changes 1t IS certain that this change
would not have added to the handsome
appearance of his face, for this beard, which
he condemned, concealed smewhat his
mouth, which was thick and badly shaped.
His always half opened lips showed yellow
and Irregular teeth.
1t is well known that Maximilan had
been in feeble health for long time past.
owing to most iniudicious diet The ex
ceSsive indulgence in white wine and ind-
gestible dishes had greatly weakened his
stomach and brought about that chronic
dysentery. with which lie was affected to the
last hour Of his life.
The Emperor drank great deal of cham.
pagne at his meals; and in the day time.
while working in his Cabinet he drank not
less than twenty glasses Of Spanish wine, in
which he dipped biscuit. 3
- Do not be astonished for my prediction
for this wne," he said to those who were
present, . | contracted this habit during
my sea voyage. Aud then, the Spanish wine
has highly salutary qualities il. this climate
where the human frame needs tonics."
The Prince was mistaken. AMI the proof
of it was that, owing to his increasing i'll
health. he was obliged to consult Dr. 0unot,
who restored him by regulating his diet and
1orbidding HIM TO drink anything but Bor
deaux wine.
Previous to the Intervention of this learned
practitioner, Maximlian had two cooks. who
him highly spiced food, after the
German fashion. Nenison appeared in "A
different ways on the table, and
at dessert tie Emperor always partouk of |
got from Austria at great expense.
Add to that he smoked, from morning till |
evening. Vienna cigars which he preferred |
to all others. 1t is even said in regard to
these cigars, that his suite made wry faces
when the Emperor was good natured enough |
to present his cigar-case to his aidcsde-
camp and the other officers attached to bis !
person. No one ventured 20 refuse. and all
were compelled, by the requirements of good
breeding, to light this roll of cabbage leaves
the taste Of which was unpleasant and nau-
seating.
Some of them finally had thes'' courage of
their opinion" One of these coura seous
men was Col. Brincourt, who said one dav
to the Emperor, presenting himwith a box
of Londres:
Sire, will you once in your life smoke
good cigars? Condescend to take these"
The Emperor smiled, took the box, and
replied in voice almass tremulous with
emotion. = ought to be excused for prefer
ring the cigars which comes from my father
land"
From that day forward, his majesty no
longer offered any cigars to Col. Brincourt
Courier des Flats Unis.