CHAPTER XVI.
Maximilian's Entry into Orizaba—His enthusiastic Reception—Retires into Seclusion—Intrigues of Father Fischer and the Clerical Party— Disaster to the Austrian Contingent—Fall of Oajaca, and increasing Liberal Successes—Maximilian still undecided—His kind Thought for the Austro-Belgian Contingent—M. Eloïn's Letter—Decides Maximilian to renew the Contest.
MAXIMILIAN now made his entry into the city of Orizaba, which received him with enthusiasm: he passed through lines of French infantry and National Guards drawn up in the streets, accompanied by the sound of fireworks and ringing of bells. He soon retired into the house belonging to the rich family of Bringas. The reception rooms of Bringas— the most notorious smuggler in Mexico—were the well known rendezvous of all the enemies of the intervention: quite recently, several secret cabals had been held there under the presidency of General Uruga, who was then in the town on his way to embark at the port of Vera Cruz. During his short stay (of a week) in Orizaba, the young emperor only showed himself in public when he visited the bath-rooms. As soon as the courier from Europe brought him the heart-rending details of the empress's state of health, he retired to the Hacienda la Jalapilla, adjacent to the town, and almost lost amongst the sugar-cane and groves of coffee trees. He still hesitated to abdicate. Father Fischer, taking advantage of his influence over the young emperor, decoyed him into this secluded spot, under the pretext that both his body and mind had need of
