The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-04
A ROYAL .IMBECILE.
THE HEREDITARY CURSE OF THE
HOUSE OF HAPsBURa.
Disease and Death Besleging All the
Thrones Of Europe Eight Epi-
leptic Archdukos and Archduch esses
Mobility In Lunatic Asylums.

Vienna Correspondents of the New York Tribune.
Hidden away in the depths Of dense
forest some five hours by rail to the south
OF this city is one of the most picturesque
and stately castles which il is possible to
conceive. The broad moat and heavy
drawbridge, the dark walls of undressed
granite, pierced with mullioned windows
and surmounted with turrets and battle
ments, all unite TO carry one back to the
feudal ages. an impression that is further
strengthened by the venerable aspect Of
the glorious old trees which consti-
tute the setting of this architectural gem.
It stands quite alone, far away from any
other human habitation, and with the ex-
ception Of the gamckeepers aud foresters,
CARRIED in the Imperial livery, who have
orders to prevent tho approach OF any
stranger within two miles OF the chateau,
not a soul is 10 be seen anywhere in the
neighborhood. Hardly sound is TO be
heard, and notwithstanding the presence
OF over sixty bloodcd horses In the marble
wainscoted stables, and OF u whole army
of attendants and domeslics in the chateau,
strange aud uncanny silence reigns on
all sides Every voice is hushed, and even
the dogs appear 10 have been trained to
bark and yclp in mere whisper. Indeed,
like the Enchanted Palace Of the Sleepi ng
Beauty In the fairy tales, the whole castle
seems TO be subject TO the spell OF some
malignant sorcercr.
II is TO this romantic spot that the latest
victim OF that dreadful maady which con.
stitutes the hereditary curse OF the Impe-
rial House Of llapsburg was secretly con-
veycd some three weeks ngo. The late
Count Beust's cutting and cruel remark
about Austria's idiot Archdukes has re-
ccivcd another notable illustration, and
few would be able 10 recognize in the men.
cal and physical wreck, which SCARCELY re-
iains ycsiigc Of humanity, the gallant
and chivalrous Archdukc Leopold, who
inherited the vast wealth Of the House Of
Este. Born In 1926, he has for the past
twenty-five years held the rank Of CON-
mandcr-ln-chicf OF the Engineer aud Sap
per Corps Of the Imperial forces, besides
possessing colonelcies in the German and
Russian armies 1all aud elegant, with u
handsome face aud an exceedingly win.
ming manner, lac was ny far the most pop.
ular member Of the Emporor's family
With the solitary exception OF Archduko
= John, be was the most talented and
clever Prince OF his line, while his inn
menso fortune enabled him 90 dispense
generosity aud muniilccncc on magnin-
cent scale. Needless 10 add that IL is
epilepsy in iis most hideous form which
has thus w darkly cloudcd the oyentidc 81
Archduke Leopold's well spent life,
Stretched on a bed, no longer possessed 81
either the strength orscnsc 20 feed himself,
lac has reached that loathsomc state of
idiocy which the French 30 oXprcssiycly
describe as ''galismc," and his only occu-
patton sccmsto bc 20 gaze with kind OF inn
beetle stare ut the splendid portrait which
Amcrlng painted OF him, in the striking
garb Of Crusader which hc wore at the
carousal at the llolburg here, just twenty
five years ago.
With the sole exception OF the Emperor
himself. almost every one ot the ninety
eight archdukes and archduchcscs who
constitute the imperial family of Austria
h subject la greater or lesser degree to
fits OF epilepsy. Tho good old Arrhdnko
Albert, unclo 10 his Majesty and Gcn-
eralissimo VI the Forces. + u perfect mar
tyr Thereto. Tho Empcror's youngest and
fnvoritc daughter, Princess Valerie, suffers
from occasional fits Arehduke Louis
Victor, the youngest brother OF the Em-
pcror, has been rendered almost imbocilc
by the malady. The late Kaiser Fer.
dinAnd was reduced 90 such a state Of
idiocy aud disgusting bcsiiality by the
disease that he was Obliged 10 alb
G-caio in 1913 In favor OF bis
brother. the late Afchdukc Francis
Charles. The latter. however, knowing
that lac. too. was subject 10 thc family
curse. refused 60 ncrcpt the prollcfcl
crown, and passed Il ON TO his son. the
present Emperor. Even the poor little
three year old King OF Spain Is reported to
have inherited the malady from his
mother. who u an Austrian Afchduchcs-.
The sad fate Of another Archduchcss, the
mad cx-Emprcss Of Mexico IL too we'll
known 10 need more than a passing men