The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-01-17
As FICTION
Career of Nine. Bazaine, Who
Once BaSked
IN THE THRONES LIGHT
Later Sounding the Depths of
Misery and Disgrace.

Denver, Colo, Jan. 15.-Pathos and
comedy romance and adventure are
strangely mingled In the career which
came TO an end when Nine. Bazaine
died last week at a private hospital
in the suburbs of the City of Mex
| leo. During the last thirty years she
twice passed from one extreme of life 70
the other, Every experience from a pal
ace TO prison was hers. She was among
the most brilliant figures at two great
courts in two great continents Each
time she saw the throne about which the
court was gathered swept away, and each
time the fortunes of herself and her hus-
band went down in the ruins. Once they
were raised again 10 even greater heights
or power and influence but the second
tlrne the wreck was complete, absolute,
final.
Instead of being first among the coun-
selors Of an Emperor, her husband, Mar
shall Bazaine, became a convicted Grim
fnal, condemned to death, but finally re-
prieved and sent to spend the remainder
of his life in a castle dungeon. From this
living death he was rescued by the in
genuity and courage of his wife, who fled
with him into exile. and was his faithful
helpmate until death came to end his
ruined career. Surely no woman ever
lived more romantic life or gave strong
er proofs of that devotion which endures
even unto death
In 1855 the Austrian Archduke Maximil-
ian was seated on the throne of Mexico.
His court was almost as splendid as
those Of the monarchies of Europe. after
which it was modelled and by which it
was supported. But already there were
many indications Of troubles ahead. The
revolutionists were gathering in the in
terror; the churchmen were plotting in
the capital itself
In this juncture Marshal Bazaine, a
veteran French soldier of many wars in
Europe and Africa, was made command
er-in-chief Of the armies of Maximilian
He was already q widower, having
buried his young wife two years before
his appointment. In his new position he
showed himself a strong man, handling
with firmness and discretion. In personal
appearance he was a typical soldier,
sturdy in figure and marshal bearing,
carrying his hfty-four years like boy
of twenty
One night In 1855 Emperor Macmillan
gave grand ball at his palace. Marshal
Bazaine was foremost among the guests.
AS he was passing in state through the
ballroom a young Mexican girl, who had
been Waiting, tore the skirt of her lace
dress and stopped to repair it. The gall
liant French soldier was the first TO come
to her rescue. When the rent had been
mended the young girl thanked the great
man and walked away with her partner.
But Marshal Bazaine had for the second
time lost his heart
''Who is this?' he asked Of his attend
ants.
He was told that the young woman was
Mile. de la Pena, the daughter of an
ancient Mexican house. Then he excused
himself, followed her through the crowds,
and begged the honor of an introduction.
Their courtship was short. Bazaine was
a soldier, accustomed TO taking fortresses
by storm. Mile. de IA Pena had all the
tropical warmth of nature Their en-
gagement was announced to the Empe-
ror. He gave them his blessing, believ-
ing that the marriage Of his commonder- |
in-chief to a native Mexican would tend |