The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1894-07-19
THE MAD EMPRESS DYING.
End of the Unhappy Charlotte of Mexico
Expected in Short Time.

| 1t was a melancholy day for the mem
bers of the royal family of Belgium on
| June Z, when they made their annual
official pilgrimage to the Chateau de
Bouchout near the village of Meysse, to
present their best wishes" to the unhap-
Ply Charlotte, ex-Em press of Mexico, re-
| marks writer in the New York Trib-
une. 1t was the Saith anniversary of her
birth. Her condition since that day, too,
has continued to grow worse, SO that it
is believed the princess is soon to be re-
lieved by death from her sufferings
Until short time ago she had, at
least, moments when she appeared to be
herself, and understand in part, at least,
what was said to her. These moments
came most frequently in the presence of
her slster-in-law, the Queen, for whom
she always manifested deep love. Few
persons are allowed near her, in fact, as
the presence of one whom she does not
like or who is unknown to her always
makes her tremble, and thus in creases
her sufferings. But she has always
welcomed the Queen, whose presence had
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 intelli
gence flashed. Even the announcement
few days ago that her favorite niece.
Princess Josephine, had been married
had no effect whatever 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 tine fancies of
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 lit
was fond Of decking herself in brilliant
colors and weaing beautiful costumes.
Daily, among other things, a 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
~ years since the loss of her reason.
There is tradition or belief in Belgium
that her condition is due to drink made
from a plant in Mexico, administered to
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 lamentable affection of the once am
bilious 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-alI tended to
shake her reason.
1t was on her return from St. Cloud,
where Napoleon III had received her
that the first mad symptoms manifested
tn emselves. He then finally announced
that he would do nothing for her, and
was to recall the French troops from
Mexico, advising Macmillan to give up
an impossl BILE struggle aud 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 miserable wretches, go
away" she cired to Messrs. Castillo and
De Vale, her favorites among her
husbands councillors, who had accom-
panied her on her mission.
A little later she made her pilgrimage
to Rome to see the Pope and beg his
intercession with the Mexican clergy, as
last resort. Falling on her knees be-
fore his Holiness, she cried "St. Peter,
issue az bull, | beg you, to all Christians,
condemning those who wish to imprison
me-"
The political part which she had
wished to play ended in that supplica-
ton. She shut herself up soon after
ward in Chateau Miramir, and later was
transported to Belgium, where she was
confined at first i'm the castle of Ter
vueren, and still later in the Chateau de
B ouchout, where she is today.
1t is uncertain whether she ever knew
the real end of Macmillan. At least,
for years she has believed that he still
lives as prisoner in Mexico. Only
few months ago she wrote letters to all
the sovereigns of Europe, demanding
their aid in his behalf.