The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1875-04-09
The Sad Story Of a Life.

/ The Belgian papers announce that the
death of the unhappy Carlotta, the wife of
Macmillan, once Emperor of Mexico, is
daily expected. During the last years of
| her eventful life the somber darkness of
mental night has rested upon her, and even
the consolation of forgetting, in insanity,
her misfortunes has been denied her. The
| light OF this worlds pleasures, though not
the gloom of its pains, long since went out
for her: and that she should not follow her
brave and unfortunate husband to the
grave may be regarded as the only happi-
ness which the future had in store for her.
and as II grateful relief to the royal hearts
who have watched over her desolate wears
with constant and loving tenderness. The
daughter Of Leopold |. of Belgium, the
wisest and shrewdest sovereign of his time,
blessed with beauty and superior mind,
graced1 Tjtbbe Vi Be etfurresr at a very carry age 10
aYstihs ,..r,iable and able of the Austrian
Arehdukes. Macmillan was distinguished
for his virtues, his courage his courtly
bearing, and the liberal tone Of his thoughts
and feelings. At the time of the marriage,
no more brilliant prospect than the luxu-
rio,,s life Of an Emperor's brother and
sister opened before them. Macmillan
thought of no loftier destiny than to form
one of the princely galaxy around Francis
Josephs throne, to govern Slavic OF Croat
province, perhaps lend his sword to the
glory of Austria, or to spend happy summer
| months with his lovely brid at his castle
| of Miramar. ON the Adriatic. No graver
danger than that of u European war or
| local insulrection threatened to interrupt
tranquil and contented life.
The ambitious projects of Napoleon sud-
denly intrudcd upon the even tenor OF this
calm existence. The conquest of Mexico
by Bazaine. and the necessity of finding n
wearer of royal blood for the new Imperial
crown. caused Louis to cast his eyes over
Europe for the av liable candidate; and he
| fixed upon Maxamilian rs the prince best
fitted for his purpose. The Archduchess
Sophia urged him to decline the bauble.
Garlotta, with all the enthusiasm of youth
and ambition, begged him to accept it. To
her Macmillan unfortunately yielded; he
went to Mexico, accompanied by his daunt-
less and exulting young wife, and bravely
neryed himself to meet the perils of his
new position. These perils were not fanci
full: the long conflict between the virtually
us,lrping Emperor and the persistent Jua
} rez is well known. Its tragic termination
, in which the gallant Austrian went calmly
) to the fate of Charles of England and Loui
of France is one of the most thrilling epi
: sodes in history Carlotta stood staunchly
by her husband from first to last. Whel
his cause waned and bid ere long to be des
perate, this heroic woman fastened to Eu
rope, fell at Napoleon's feet, and begge'
, him to 60 to the rescue. Stung by the re
. fusal of the one who had lured Maximilia
across the ocean, the unfortunate princes
= broke into wild imprecations From 81
+ Cloud she hastened to Rome, only to lear
at the vatican that it was hopeless. Des
perate with disappointment, Carlotta wal
dered over Europe, pleading with Franci
Joseph at Vienna, mourning with he
: brother at Brussels. Then the brigl
: though weary intellect began to fade. Sh
sank into alternate idiocy and madnes
and while in her diseased fancy she Wa
fighting the sad battle over and over agai
in the quiet retirement of Lacken, Max
/. milan was shot at Queretarv.
o. The ,vicissitudes of kings and princes HI
been favorite theme for poets and roma
a. GERS since Homer's time; but we dou
l;- whether there ever was told sadder
80 more thrilling story than that of this u
~ happy lady,