The New York herald., 1870-12-12
MARSHAL BAZAINE IN MEXICO.

To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-
Marshal Bazaine, during his recent interview
with HERALD correspondent, attempts to estab-
llsh reputation for honesty and patriotism at the
expense OF the late Emperor Maximilian. This at
tempt s In perfect keeping with the Marshals ante
cedents, and mis- statements must be taken cum
grdno salts. A few facts connected with the last
days OF the Mexican empire, heretofore unpub-
lshed will show the animus OF the Marshal towards
Macmillan and the plottipgs 70 secure his down
fall
TWO incidents will fully explain Bazaine's du-
plicity. After the departure OF the EMPRESS Car
lota for Europe series OF reverses to the imperial
army rendered the condition OF the empire so des-
perae that Macmillan began to think OF abdicang.
About the first Sunday In September 1s66-the exact
date is forgotten-the writer received q notification
70 attend council at Chepultepec, al which impor-
tant business would be discussed number Of the
Weather residents and principal business men or
the capital received similar notification. About
fifty gentlemen assembled at the Castle, and were
informed that the Emperor was in special council
with Marshal Bazainc the Council OF State ana
few'members OF the former "Junta OF Notables,"
and that the result OF their deliberations would be
laid before the citizens present In addition 10 the
gentlemen named being present at the special
council were Captain Eduardo Pierron, Secretary
to the Emperor, and who communicated 70 the
writer Tn proceedings OF the council. The EmpP-
ror, after feelingy stating the alarming aspect OF
public affairs, said he asked the advice OF the coun-
Gil upon three propositions, which he would submit
to them. Tne Empress mission TO France had
proved failure. Those three fatal words, .'TOdos
es alta" tall is losp telegraphed by her after the
first interview with Napoleon, showed ne help could
be expected from France In view, therefore, OF
the apparent hopelcssness Of his cause, ne pro
posed
Fas,--fo abdicate Internationally; or,
niTo order election throughout the country and
submit TO the Mexican people the subject OF an empire or
faird-To ask the immediate withdrawal Of the French
Mexican army '''''
Bazaine was prepared for the first and second
propositions, but the third took him by surprise
However. suppressing his astonlshment and indig-
natien, he formally protested against all these pre-
pssitisns as being insulting 10 France; he con-
draWal. SAID he -
Sire, my master submit to such French
menace n,ndation can be permitted SO long
troop. remain on Msxican aoi 50 long win your Majesty.
powen and with France as an any your ssless throne
power
General viduarri remarked the: tho arms Of
France alone could not save ahe empire. Commerce
ds-:he urA1SeAon and paclfcation OF Mexico.
General Melia, descendant OF the ancient kings
OF Mexico, who was present by special request OF
the Emperor said Mexico was not Old enough to
become republic The attempt had been tried and
failed: the people % were ignorant anu required an
alone could save has country.
General Uraga, Mexico's best soldier, a man OF
ChoikSu vtSWSs vi oOiuB upPcNlCu w, Iuicbiy "
Marked perhaps the council might yet be called
upon TO decide between emperors, not modes OF
government. French Intervention was source Of
weakness, no. strength, II the emperor was TO be
sustained, he must look 70 Mexicans Tor his support
This pointed aliuslon to Bazaine's well Known
aspirations for the imperial crown called down upon
him the Marshal's Indignation He was denounced
"a traitor, and to save his life the Emperor de-
spatched MIN as special envoy 70 accompany her
Majesty on her expected return to Mexico.
Bazalnes powerful win finally overcame all
opposition, and the emperor withdrew the three
propositions. The council Of citizens, which had
been anxiously awaiting the result Of the debera-
tions, upon learning what nad occurred, were
almost unanimous that had either the second or