The Washington times., 1894-08-05
MAD EMPRESS DYING.
The Unhappy Charlotte Of Mexico Is Fail
ing Rapidly.

The Unhappy Charlotte of Mexico Is Fail
ing Rapidly.
II was melancholy day for the members Of
the royal family of Belgium on June z, when
thew made their annual official pilgrimage to
the Chateau de Bouchout, n car the village OF
Meysse, to present their "best wishes" to the
unhappy Charlotte, ex-Empress OF Mexico.
1t was the ffty-fourth anniversary OF her
birth. Her condition since that day, too, has
continued to grow worse, so that 1t is be-
iieyed the princess is soon to be relieved by
death from her sufierings.
Until short time ago she had at least mo-
ments when she appeared to be herself md
understand in part at least what was said to
her. These moments came most frequently
in the presence of her sister-in-law, the queen.
for whom sho always manifested a deep love.
Few persons are allowed near her. in fact, as
the presence OF one whom she does not like
or who i. unknown to her always makes her
tremble and thus increases her sufferings.
But she had always welcomed the queen,
whose presence had a soothing effect upon
her.
But when her majesty approached her on
the birthday anniversary mentioned the ex-
empress looked upon her with stony eyes
from which no ray of intelligence flashed.
Even the announcement u lew QdyS ago tudt
her favorite niece, Princess Josephine, had
been married had no effect upon her. She
did not realize the meaning of the words
spoken. Until recently she played daily on
her piano, and her improvisations at times
were beautiful-the fancies of a mad brain.
But now she has no interest in music.
She is growing weaker daily, and the end OF
her suffering is not thought to be far distant.
She cares little for dress now, while for years
she was fond of decking herself in brilliant
colors and wearing beautiful costumes. Daily,
among other things, new pair OF white
gloves had TO be laid on her dressing table,
but these she now never draws over her
shapely hands. She has given up her walks
and remains in her room day after day. mostly
stretched out on her bed, her eyes haggard
and her face thin and pale.
The people of Belgium have taken the
deepest interest in the welfare Of the Princess
Charlotte. as they always call her, ignoring
the title of empress. in the twenty-seven years
since the loss Of her reason. There is u tradi-
ton or belief in Belgium that her condition Is
due to drink made from plant In Mexico,
administered 10 her by her enemies in the
land over which her husband ruled for SO
short time. The plant. it is said, caused the
loss of reason and gradual death.
But there are other ways OF explaining the
lameHtabe affiiction of the once ambitious
and lovely woman. The exciting incidents
through which she passed, the humiliations
which she suffered, the violent emotions
which she felt the thought of her husband
all tended to shake her reason.
II was on her return from st. Cloud, where
Napoleon Ill had received her, that the first
mad symptoms manifested themselves. He
then had finally announced that he would do
nothing for her and was to recall the French
troops from Mexico, advising Macmillan to
give up an impossible struggle and return to
Europe. She left Napoleon in despair, and
arriving at the Grand Hotel in Paris she had
an attack of insanity. go away, you miser-
nble wretcbes go away" she cried to Messrs.
Castillo and De Vale, her favorites among