Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1879-01-16

I'm blind 70 al bat thine
How MACMILLAN DTRD.-A cores
pondent Of the st. LouIs Globe Demo-
craf writes as follows concerning the
execution Of the Emperor Maximilian :
The troops, under command Of Gem
eral Escobedo, formed short distance
from the city, where the execution OF
the captive Emperor was to occur.
Thousands poured out Of Queretaro to
the scene, all eager to catch glimpse
of the distinguished prisoners. At
seven o'clock the bells ofthe city tolled.
It was the signal that the prisoners had
left their prison for the last time, and
deep silence fell on the expectant null
titude as the cortege containing the EN-
peror and bis late Generals appeared.
The carriages in which they sat were
surrounded by strong guard. Maxi
milan came first, Miramon next, lastly,
Mejia. The carriages stopped and the
prisoners alighted, while sobs burst from
the crowd, and there was not dry eye
in that vast assemblage. The three
doomed men were neither bound nor
blindfolded. The Emperor, in an easy
and graceful manner, made a regal bow
to the multitude, and, with hight step,
led the way 10 the fatal spot.
The Emperors Ike the other prison.
ers, was attired in a plain manner. He
addressed the crowd in a clear voice
and firm manner, which partook not OF
bravado. He stated that when first
waited upon al home by deputation of
Mexicans, who came with credentials
Offering him the throne of Mexico, he
refused. Subsequently the proposition
was renewed. He replied that il con-
vinced that a majority thought il 10
their interest to place him at the head
Of the Government, he might consent.
Another deputation brought him addi-
tional testimony, and upon advice ofthe
Powers Of Europe, he had accepted the
call. Said the Emperor: "I deny that
the Court that tried me had the power
to do so. Mine has been a case Of good
faith. The nations Of the wcrld have
pledged their faith to me. ! would
never have done the act had IL not been
for the good of Mexico. / hope my
blood viii stop the effusion of blood in
Mexico"
Miramon spoke, and when he ceased
there was marmur and buzz among
the crowd. The guard was drawn up
in line. The prisoners faced them.
The Emperor called to him the sergeant.
He then drew from bis pocket handful
of $40 gold pieces. Handing them 10
him, he requested that after his death
the money be divided among the SER
geant's companions. In return, the
Emperor requested as favor that the
sergeant would aim his bullet at his
heart. A moment OF deep and dreadful
silence ensued. The officer was about
to give the signal. The military figures
of the prisoners were erect, motioniess
mot muscle quivering--then faces
calm Is though death were still far OF
MaximiIian. the centre figure, main
tanned to the last an imperial composure
which eminently became that unfortu-
nate prince. The soldiers pieces are
aimed. The word is given. Bang
The Emperor. Mejia, Miramon have al
fallen TO the ground. on which each lay.
stretched. Miramon and Mejia were
killed at The FIRST volley. Four balls en-.
tered the breast OF each. The Empe.
ror did not instantly expire. though b.
had fallen unconscious. Five balls has
pierced bis bosom. There were som.
convulsiye movements Of the muscle,
and quiyering of the flesh. Seeing this
two soldiers were ordered to step from
the ranks. They each aimed thef
pieces at The fallen Emperor, and tw.
more balls were sent into his prosfrat,
body. Then be was still. The physi
clan who was to embalm his body ap
preached and threw a sheet over iii,
face Of the dead monarch. The troop
returned % their quarters. but the mnI
titude for some time. as II by super
nasnral Instinct, remained rooted to th,
! spot.