Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-27
RHEUMATISM

dIfntu men OI lDt great i'PhbiiS WIN ~
used 10 enforce It."
The French Marshal gave a sudden
start. and the Emperor turned and looked
at him with an inquiring expression on
his face. The Mexican generals seemed
both surprised and puzzled. Commodore
Maury, who was I'm the room, looked
grave and unconsciously nodded his head
in appreciation; or rather, acknowl-
edgrrent of the truth OF the statement
Shelby continued:
"The Monroe doctrine is the one great
unwritten law of the United States for
which the people will fight. They regard
the French army here as menace TO the
repsblic. and will demand of the french
Emperor that ii be withdrawn. france Is
afraid OF no power on earth; nut she mas
no stake in Mexico for which she VIII go
TO war with the United States, hence
repeat that her army now here VIII re-
turn 10 Europe. If the throne of your
Majesty can then stand, the American
Government cannot object, or in any way
interfere With 5000 soldiers devoted 10
your Majesty, revolutions VIII cedse III
Mexico. and the native supporters OF the
empire will grow stronger in their loyaltS
till all desire for a change shal nave
passed away. Under a wise, strong s'd-
BILE government Mexico, with her HhlshtS
resources, would soon take her pace
among the Powers Of the world.
He ceased speaking and stood waltns'
looking the Emperor full In the race 'iis
while. Every eye in the room was turheu
on the Austrian. and a profound silence
reioned for q few minutes. MaXimiliah
was as calm as a May morning. lie niue
dreamed that his empire, his own me- III
fact then hung in the balance. Speaking
calmly he thanked the general and the
committee fol-. their offer Of support, anu
,ror,iead 70 consider II. De None inter-
nreted his reply, after which the general
ard the committee bowed low and with
drew from the audience-room, followed
by a number OF French and Mexican gen
erals In the ante-room they questloheu
members OF the committee freely con-
nerninq the Monroe doctrine, and soon
learned more about 1t than they ever
knew before.
I'm the audience-room the Emperor ana
the French Marshal turned TO Maury' Inc
old geographer of the seas was known lhe
world over. His breast was covered with
the medals of every government IN hu-
rope In reply to questions put 10 MN py
Macmillan and Bazaine, he cohIrheu
every statement made by the intrepid
Shelby. A week DdSStus anu NAi' N'''''''+N
fee began to wonder whether they were to
get anv reply at all. 1t was known that
all the prominent Mexican generals were
holding conferences with the Minister OF
War daily. Meia and Miramon were the
most sctive ones. Shelby could do naught
but wait Then a messenger came to MIN
from the War Minister. asking him 10
call at his earliest convenience. lie went
at once and alone. Meiia and Mlraihon
were with the Minister, and all three
| shook hands with him, after which they
took cigars and sat down at table. The
| Minister then proceeded to explain the
| situation and the decision Of the Emperor
| in regard to the offer made by the gene
raj. which was to this effect: That the
empire was an established fact and well
received by the people: that such an army
| as had been offered was not and would
| not be needed as the empire was then at
peace with all the world; that il was be-
| lieved the American Government was not
| disposed TO interfere in the affairs Of any
| neighboring nation, and that any differ
| ences that might arise could be adjusted
| through Diplomatic channels; that the
| Mexican people could and would sustain
the Imperial Government; that any regu-
| lar army composed Of other than Next
| can soldiers would be displeasing to the
| people; that II the Americans would en-
| list in Mexican regiments and serve I'M
| der Mexican officers. the Imperial Gov
! eminent would be pleased to accept their
| offer of service.
Shelby was astonished at what he
heard, but listened calmly till the Min
lister had ceased speaking Then he
returned and looked hard at Miramon
and Mejia. He recognized their handi-
-, 4 arge nf q
He saw that as Mexicans they feared
| the power of such an army Of veterans
over whom they could have no control,
and had therefore opposed il. But that
was not the time or place TO tell them
so Turning to the War Minister, he
| said:
at is not for me to say aught Of the
| Emperor's decision. / regret IL more
| than I can say. He has decided from
| his point of view. From my point Of view,
| If he does not return to Europe when
/ the French army goes. he will go down
to death with his empire"
| "Caramba! Never! Neverr cried
Mejia, as both he and Miramon sprang
to their feet. 1.-THE Mexican army will
sustain the empire triumphantly against
| all the world!
THE Mexicans themselves will destroy
| It," said Shelby, very cooly facing the
two generals, land you who remain
| faithful to your oath Of allegiance 10 the
throne will be shot to death"
1--WE are used to being shot at" return
ed Mejia Miramon smiled but said no.
thing. Shelby turned TO the Minister
| and said:
"Our people cannot enter Mexican
regiments They speak English only, and
their mode Of living is such that 1t IS
utterly impossible for them to accept the
| suggestion you make"
Half an hour later he was repeating
TO the committee the result Of the inter-
vlew-the rejection OF our offer. 1T is
now every man for himself with us
he added. do the best you can TO make
a living, but say nothing against the
empire. The Emperor has made mis-
take-a fatal mstake-but l think he be-
lieved it was all for the best interests
Of his government 1t is impossible TO
believe otherwise"
The Confederates held together as hong
as they could and gradually dispersed
i'm various directions in quest of employ
ment. Some returned TO the States,
others settled at Cordova-a Colony OF
| Confederates-and still others found en-
| ployment in the capital. Shelby himself
went into business as a freighter and
| gave employment to as many OF his COM
rades as he possibly could. He saw his
| prediction fulfilled In the return or the
| French army TO France. MeJia and Mira
mon then figured as leaders of the lmpe-
| rial forces. Juarez returned and began
| bammering the empire with relentless,
| TIfS forces constantly