The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-06-24

those who read history In the cold nght
Of exact criticism, who, with narrow WIS.,
ion measure men and events only as they
serve TO Illustrate one philosophic theory
or another, the Franco Mexican inter-
vention will ever be merely one of the
episodes in the mock r0yalism Of the
Second Empire, and the story of Max
imlian and Carlotta, one of mistaken
ambition, of the lust OF power or deserY-
ed misfortune.
But to those who salute the qualities
of humanity. courage and virtue in royal
lives. the empress in her ability as
ruler, in her fateful and heroic mission
to save the crown, and at last in her
infirmty and sorrow. will command SYM
pathy and admiration; and the empSfor,
wanting at times in strength and de-
cision. but never in loyalty and honor,
In his brilliant career as scholar admiral,
and ylceroy, in his IDEALS OF government
and his chiyalrfc endeavor to enforce
them, I'm his gallant fight against the in
eyitable cOnsecrating both his purposes
and achievements by his tragic sacrifice,
will stand pre-eminent among the Knight
iy sons of apsburg-Lorraine."
The story of the young EmperOr's brief
dominion is familiar one, and now and
then from quiet Miramar press special
regarding the condition of Cariotta re-
calls Ii painfully.
Macmillan. true. young earnest. has
never, since his execution on that fatal
18th of June, 1861 been viewed with en-
tire justice. He has been called one OF
two things-a weak tool in the hands
OF Napoleon, or a despotic lover Of power
and seeker for il. by any practicable
means. As to the former. TO declare him
the tool Of Napoleon is as AIR Taylor
states, only part OF the truth.
1T has been urged" says he. that
Macmillan was simply the tool and vic
tim of Napoleon: that, after deluding
MIN with fair promises, into acceptance
or the throne. he broke his word. with
Iar inn 4 I..(t IL.
TO MS enemies. This is but part Of the
truth. Maximilian became Emperor OF
Mexico, both TO suit Napoleon's purpose
anu his own. He had ample warning OF
the pfooabie consequences Of his enter
PRISE, and from first to last acted with
tuIi knowledge Of the problems and risks
MS acceptance would involve"
Ihe causes which shaped his destiny are
20 he found, In part in his character and |
environment. He was a man Of Imitfess
ambition, but lacking In that strength of
VIII and clearuess OF judgment which are
at once rs sole justification and the only !
means or lnsuring its success. CALAMITY.
courage, honesty OF PURPOSE with a hos,
Of the private virtues. did not save MIN
from being the unconscious instrument
VI nseiiS''te YalnglOry, bigOtry, cupidity.
population and bad faith"
Win regard TO his acceptance Of the |
' snrone there can be little doubt that ia
making his decision he was greatly in
huenced by one whose influence upon
MN Was AT an times potent and whose |
IN was more forceful than his own
ms charming young wife Carlotta. who
my waits in the shadow OF a great |
aiHiction, ana in Mramar. about Which |
80 many associations with the voung |
tnahhood Of Macmillan cling-for the /
t tfexi,t Hi the gallant husband. Nor did /
MdNlmllian accept the throne untD he /
was assured by Estrada that tho ma |
LlOiial vote of Mexico had confirmed the |
"ctioh OF the Assembly of Notables.
,o, oT happiness" said Estrada, is |
cUinpiete IN informing you I'm the name
OF the Regency of the Empire Thar the |
80 ny winch you have been designated |
tor the crown Of Mexico. is now ratified
~ tne ddheSlon OF an immense majority |
lies ii, s"e an c4Iuhhtry by the municipal authori-
t.ttcS, anu by the town corporations: and |
mus, consecrated. that unanlmous proc-
Idniduoh mas become, by it's moral inn
Portahce and by its numerical strength.
~ no C' ro1.,o national vote. There will be
Witch e" ,, more enyiabe than that
WHICH your Highness will receive i'm
SeelIs, al no remote day, Mexico proe-
porous and respected"
MdAlnlllan, Whatever the weak points
a. Tins MS personality may have been, was
case with all spirited and true Natures
was entirely unsuspicious as regard tho |
aGis ana statements Of others.
h,9e"eVer as Mr.. Taylor remarks with
national vote, The man ManoienH
who re-establshed in himsaIf tbo i,'
lefiai dignity OF France by the ballots
OI elghl million voters AGAINST "a dis
senting minority Of but two hnndred
ana hity thousand might well rount
upon almost unanimous result from, -
faction or the Mexican people Win
Bazaine and his veterans as inspectors
Of election" ''''P'O'0iS
In his reply 10 Estrada and the other
members OF the second deputation NJ
nihan sald, "A mature oxamlnafion -
me acts or adhesion which Won have
ust presented me gives me con6denco
nat the vote OF the NOtables o. NJ
%, which brought you a short time 200
% Miramar, has been ratified nv a.
immense majority OF your comnafriotc
ihd that can consider myself hanco,,
92rth, with good right, the elect OF the
Mexican people. u '"e
me lilusuious head Of nv famfv
iaVlnB given his consent. now declare
.dt, relying on the assistance OF the
l accept the crown offered
ne by the Mexican nation. / shall hold
irmly aloft the flag OF independence
Is the symbol OF our future grandeur
can FOR the cooperation or all the Mex
cans who love their country 70 aid me
n the accomplishment Of my noble buf
most difficult task. Never shall my gov
rnment forget the gratitude il owes TO
he illustrious sovereign whose friendly
Import has rendered the regeneration
4 our noble land possible. | am now
IN the TDint OF leaving for nv new conn
~. paying as ! go, a visit 10 Rome
'here / shall receive from the HOW
'atncr that benediction which is 81 ,
recious for all sOyereigns, bur. above