The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-07-12


hand. Troops were at once disposed on three
sides OF q square, leaving that side open towards
which the fatal volley was TO be fired. Esco-
The prisoners were told TO descend. Miranion
was ready, and the first TO leave his seat. Meia
Quilted his seat slowly, and with apparent difli-
Guilty. MACMILLAN recovered from his abstrao-
tion, took in the whole scene with an awaken
Ing glance, and descended, bearing himself
calmly as usual, without word. The places
where they were TO stand were now pointed out
TO the three. They took their positions. The
reasons for the sentence and their death war
rant were reclted TO them. They were then
permitted to speak. III .ffr r..
at this supreme moment, could even the
closing words OF Victor Hugo's passionate ap
peal for mercy to Msximilian have broken
nom bis own lips from the foremost rank OF
the awa ting assemblage, they might indeed
have thrilled the mass to q temporary but un-
availiDg fervor. But every syllable would have
broken against the hearts of Escobedo and his
chiefs like tempest against walls Of rock. At
this moment, also, the adulation OF Mexican
liberty liberty ana heroism, with which Hugo has pre-
than plalitude to all acquainted with the his
tory of the country and the race. There Is q
paraphrase, more just and truthful than the
great Frenchman's ignorant and exalted reel
tations. And thus 10 is:- T..
Europe in 1868, fell upon Mexico, Two mon
arches attacked its anarchy; one with prince.
the other with an army, the army bringing in
the prince. The world then beheld this specta-
cle:-On the one hand, this army supporting
this prince in an epdeavor to erect government
out of and above chaos; on the other hand,
political hatred disorder, jealousy, faction,
cemented fora time in grand Opposition TO such
an effort. on the one side, the power of an em-
pire backing well-meaning ruler; on the other
side, host of half barbarians, accustomed to
and delighting in warfare and license, part
pretending 10 support the new empire, but
weakening II by enormous excesses. a part
goadinR it to its downfall by warning upon It In
bands, bands, oy t establiIshing g reign Of terror The
incapable of selfcontrol. But the Prince un-
fortunately did not know that they were in
capable of being controlled at all. The race
proved that both these assertions were true. It
exhibits at this hour the supremacy Of passion
over reason, OF political vengeance over states
but not the ultimate time. To slay is the motto
blackening its flag; to slay is the mania in its
heart, the intent glitterlng In its jaundlced eye
II IL bad, devilish, quite trretrievable, spawn
ofSpaniards negroes, and Indians.
Behold, here is a man! We do not love him,
whether from his own will and design or not
against the sacred republicanism that we
Americans have declared shall prevail on the
American continent. But look at him, then
look around at these. Is this sacrifice that is
about TO be made sacrifice upon the altar OF
human liberty? Are these the beings who un-
deTstsnd. or care, what human liberty really
is? In not single face shall you behold the
calm and intelligent and superior aspect of the
one gentleman, who stands, the loftiest and the
bravest of q fated three, about to expiate before
This host OF tawny interiors his grest mistake.
II disclaim," !" said Maximilian, as the crowd
became hushed to hear, "any Intention or wish
70 aggrandize myself at the expense of Mexico.
the deputation prepared to OTTER me the crown. a.
me. replied that If q majority of the Mexican
the country, 1 should not feel at liberty to
refuse. A Testimonial TO the last effect was
brought me by another deputation. The
accept. Believing that was then
really furnished with the wish OF the Mexican
people, I came. ! pursued the course that I
have issued were issued as a warning, and
under mistaken impression Of the real senti-
ments of a majority of the people, rather than
from despotic or selfish motive. l have been
tried by an incompetent and illegal court My
protest has been of no avail. have right to
demand, and still demand, a more deliberate
hearing"
Nothing was said in reply Macmillan evil
IDENTIFY expected nothing He stood in a firm
yet graceful attitude, until Mlramon had
finished speaking.
The guard was drawn up. Mejia gazed curl
ously, Miramon with grim smile, and Maxi
milan with no particular expression, while
this movement was in progress. Then Maxi
milan beckoned TO the sergeant, who went
forward and stood for a moment facing the
Emperor. The latter drew handful of Mexi-
from his pocket, and placed them In the SER
geants hand.
aim at my heart. Divide this among them after
/ am dead. AdiOS! Take good aim"
The sergeant returned, and took his position
on the right of the firing squad. He glanced at
Escobedo, and received his answer in a slight
nod and significant expression.
"Auentionp
The murmur OF pity in the multitude without
the military lines almost broke into shouts OF
protestatioD, The officers lifted their swords,
the soldiers fumbled at their muskets and
frowned 1T down. The stiffness then became
oppressive.
"Aim -
viva la Mexico p in a suppressed cry from
Miramon.
"Carlotta! Carlotta!" This word twice
spoken in a thoughtful tender tone, was the
last that ever passed the lips of the Arcnduke
of Austria-N Y World.