The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-07-01

times are full Of grave issues. We know
not what great questions affecting public
liberty and constitutional government may yet
come before our Supreme Court. Let us
beware of putting an unsound man there.
We want no disciples of Taney at this late
hour
The Death of the Archdul6e of Austria.
ALL reasonable grounds for doubt as to the
fate of the Archduke Maximilian seem to be
dispelled by the intelligence received yester-
day. 1t must now be accepted as an historical
fact that the Prince was executed on the 10th
ultimo, Immediately previous to the successful
assault on the City of Mexico. There could
be no fate so well calculated to bring the un-
fortunate empire of Mexico to dramatic con-
clusion, and to preserve the unity of that
national drama. An invader in 1868, an en-
peror in 1854, the head of faction in 1866,
and martyr in 1867. Such were the shifting
fortunes of the best of all the House of Haps-
burg who has lived within a century.
Viewing the climax in the light of equity,
we cannot deny that the Republicans were
almost justified in taking the step they did.
If their remedy was desperate one, their
wrongs were also desperate. Because of their
weakness they had been invaded by coali
ton of strangers, and usurper put over their
heads. They were not responsible for the fate
meted out to the self-constituted Emperor.
He took his life into his hands when he landed
on their shores, and his only good pretext for
his action was that he possessed the might.
When that failed him, he could expect but
little mercy from the hands of those whom he
had sought to make his subjects.
Besides, the policy of the Prince towards the
captured Liberals was not such as to secure
for him merciful judgment. He endeavored
to quell the opposition by declaring all who op-
posed him outlaws and treating them like
felons. He raised the black flag with his own
hands; and while we admire the gallantry of
his adherence to his sinking cause, and pity
his untimely fate, we cannot deny that he
made his own bed, and it is his own fault that
he to-day is laid within it, He might have
fled the country with the French; but with a
daring which excites our admiration, he pre-
ferred to risk his life with his new people
rather than become the pity of all the courts
of Europe. Had he lived to reenter the palace
of his brother the Emperor of Austria, he
would have done so as beggar.
Upon accepting the offer of Napoleon, he
surrendered his estates amounting to millions
a-year to his brother, as his wealth as Arch
duke was greater than that of the Emperor
himself; but reserved, in case of his return to
Europe within ten years, the right Of success
sion to the empire. Had he reached Vienna
he would have been heir apparent to the Aus
trian throne, yet without cent of revenues
so that it may be questioned whether it was
not better for him to die bravely in his new
country, rather than live in poverty and dis
tress at his brothers. court.
We have so far viewed the execution in
the light of right, but if we look at it as to its
expediency, we must arrive at very different
conclusion. 1t cannot be denied that Juarez
has made a fearful, if not a fatal, blunder in
carrying out the utmost severity of the law
against his captive. Had he been sufficiently
magnanimous to spare the life of the Prince,
he would have gained the gratitude of many of
the European powers, whose family ties are
iuterwoven with those of his victim. He could
have secured from Francis Joseph a fabulous
ransom, which would have gone far towards
paying off the indebtedness of the republic
and making the spOiler pay for its damage.
AS it now is, all claims on Austria or France
are forever lost Vengeance takes the place
of anxiety, and no compensation can be
secured. Besides, the United States had
asked the life of the Prince, and the action o.
Juarez has alienated the friendly feelings which
have heretofore existed in Washington. In
addition to all the harm possibly done, there
is certainly no good. Macmillan was power.
less and perpetually inoffensive. 1t would be
doubling the common sense of Juarez to deny
to him the knowledge that to the United
States he owes his success, and that, SO long
as the United States continue in power, he
need have no fear from Maximilian, although
he came backed by all the European powers
1t was therefore useless and wilful sacri
flee of life which must have been harmless
had,it been spared. We deem it a great error
very great error, and one which shows Il
us that Juarez is utterly incapable of ruling
Mexico. 1t proves his passions have NOR,
command than his intellect, and that, if W,
would have peace on our neighboring borders
we must give them some other government
than that of President Juarez. 1t is essentially
the duty of the United States to secure presen
peace beyond the Rio Grande, by assuminl