New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-03-14
The Sad Story of a Life.

The Belgian papers announce that the
death of the unhappy Carlotta, the wife of
Maximilian, once Emperor of Mexico, ia
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
mlsfortunes has been denied her. The light
of this worlds pleasures, though not the
gloom of its pains, long since went ont for her;
and that she should now follow her brave
and unfortunate husband to the grave may
be regarded as the only happiness which
the future had in store for her, and as a
grateful relief to the roy al hearts who have
stant and loving tenderness. The daughter
of Leopold /. Of Belgium, the wisest and
truest sovereign of his time, blessed with
beauty and q superior mind, graced with
the accomplishments of courts and polish of
letters, it was Carlotta's destiny to be
united at a very early age to the most
amiable and able of the Austrian Arch
dukes. Maximilian was distinguished for
his virtues, his courage, his courtIy bearing
and the liberal tone OF his thoughts
and feelings. At the time of the marriage No
more brilliant prospect than the luxurious
life of an Emper0r's brother and sister
opened before them. Maximilian thought of
no l0ftier destiny than to form one OF the
princely galaxy around Francis JOseph's
throne, to govern Slavic or CrOat province.
perhaps lend his sword to the glory of
Austria, or to spend happy summer months
with his lovely bride at his castle of Mira
mar, on the Adriatic. No graver danger
than that of European war or local insur-
rectiOn threatened to interrupt tranquil
and contented life.
The am bilious projects of Napoleon sud-
denly intruded upon the even tenor Of this
calm existence. The conquest Of Mexico
by Bazalne, and the necessity of finding
wearer of the royal blood for the imperial
crown, caused Louis to cast his eyes over
Europe for the available candidate; and he
fixed upon Macmillan as the Prince best
fitted tor his purpose. The Archduchess
bauble. Carlotta, with all the enthusiasm
of youth and ambition, begged him
to accept it. To her Macmillan unfor
tqnateiy yielded; he went to Mexico, &C.
companied by his dauntless and exulting
wife, and brayely nerved himself to meet
the perils Of his new position. These
perils were not fanciful: tie long conflict
between the virtually usurping Emperor
and the persistent Juarez is well known.
Austrian went calmly to the fate of Charles
of England and Louis of France is one of
the most thrilling episodes in history. Car
lotta stood staunchly by her husband
from first to last. When his cause
waned and bid ere long to be des-
perate, this heroic woman hastened
to Europe, fell at Napoleon's feet. and
begged him to go to the rescue.
Stung by the refusal Of the one who had
lured Macmillan across the ocean, the un-
fortunate princess broke into wild impreca
tions From st. Cloud she fastened to
Rome, only to learn at the Vatican that it
was helpless. Desperate with disappOint
ment, CarlOtta wandered over Europe,
pleading with Francis Joseph at Vienna,
with her brother at Brussels.
Then the bright though weary intellect be-
gan to fade. She sank into alternate idiocy |
and madness, and while in her diseased
fancy she was fighting the sad battle over
and over again in the quiet retirement Of |
Lacken Macmillan was shot at Queretaro.
The viclssitudes of kings ami princes
have been favorite theme for poets and !
.omancers since HOmer's time; but we |
1oubt whether there ever was told sadder |
'r more thrilling story than that of this
unhappy lady.