Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1869-01-12
lecture by Gen Observation-Disclosures l.
ian and CarlOtta-The Future Oh
Mexico. Fl

Mexico.
lecture was delivered on Saturday night
IN the Monumental Assembly Rooms 10 Balti-
more, by Gen: j. Bankhead Magruder, for
merly of the Confederate army, and subse-
ouenty resident in Mexico for sixteen months
in the civil service of Maximihan, to quite 4
respectable and intelligent audience, though
not large in point of numbers.
General Magruder proceeded to give q sue
cipt account of the causes giving rise to the
difficulties that had existed between France,
England and Spain and Mexico. Numerous
wrongs he said had been inflicted upon for
eigners residing in Mexico, and finally a decree
was made repudiating debts due to those OF
foreign birth. France refusing any longer to
submit to these insults to her citizens and her
flag. took steps to secure indemnity for the
past and security for the future. Gen. Prlm
wanted to be Emperor OF Mexico instead of
Macmillan, who had been spoken Of and he
tried to place himself within the good graces
of the people of that country. The invaders
would have held Mexico had not the civil war
in the United States terminated as If did
Maximian refused to be connected with the
schemes of either of the factions In Mexico.
but agreed to accept the crown OF Mexico IT
elected. He had an eye single to the national
existence of the country, but would not COM
NIT himself to any policy. Macmillan was
. proud man, and the creature OF none, The
patriotic classes favored his advent and respect
ed his administration. Santa Anna said the
only course for Mexico was the establishment
of an imperial government, and favored the
selection of Maximihan as emperor. After
being crowned Emperor of Mexico, Maximil-
ian firmly adhered to his previously expressed
principles. He kept himself aloof from either
faction, and as the independent sovereign OF
the country paid attention only to her interests.
The speaker next gavea graphic description
of the early life and subsequent rise to exalted
positions of Maximian. He seemed to be en-
dowed in youth with ambition to do good. so
rapidly did he rise in the estimation OF the ru,
ers of Austria that he soon became the head
of the Austrian navy. The Archduke lett
Vienna in company with his beautiful wife,
bearing with him the good will OF all Europe.
Maximian had three great duties to perform,
viz: Worship God, cherish his companion,
and to serve his country whenever called upon
to DO so.
The lecturer referred next to the closing
scenes of his campaign as commander OF the
trans Mississippi forces The surrender OF
Gen Lee had cast gloom over the men COM
posing his army, but the assassination OF Pres
deut Lincoln was worse than all. That was
not the way the noble fellows OF the trans
Mississippi army had desired to secure victory
Gen. Magruder iu this connection, referred to
the good feeling that ensued between the men
under his command and the officers OF the
United States navy, at the time or the surren-
der of the former The navy officers had
acted most manly, and with lofty courtesy.
After the surrender, about three or four
thousand Confederates, (the lecturer among
the number,) proceeded to Monterey, Mexico,
and after agreeing not to enter the military
service there, they separated for various
destinations. General Magrudcr and many
others proceeded to the city of Mexico
The latter, shortly after his arrival, had
an interview with the Emperor Maxi
milan. There was more 6rmness and strength
manifesed 10 his face than he had expected to
find Maximiian asked many questions about
the United States, especially with reference
TO its trade and commerce. There was
great war in your country" Maximilian re-
marked, lone upon which the world looked
aghast. You of the South have lost. Other
nations can but sympathize with you, and as q
brother receive and welcome you Obey the
laws cheerfully, and don't meddle with politics
ON either side The Emperor believed that
no government could exist in Mexico that had
not the good will of the United States. His
policy was that of peace.
The Emperor was an American 10 feeling
and in policy. He encouraged AmerlGans IN
every way and endeavored to draw the Uniteu
States and Mexico into close affinity. Maxi
milan turned his attention to improving the
condition of the people of hisempire, encoura'
ped schools, the construction of railroads, Nc,
and contributed large sums of money Tor the
establishment of lines OF vessels between
Mexico and the United States and elsewhere.
lie was strongly in favor Of the system OF I'M
migration established in the United States,
and he organized bureau for immigration IN
Mexico. He was also particularly favorable
to the public land system OF this country, and
organized land department. similar to that oil
the United States. of which the Emperor ap-
pointed General Magruder commissioner.