operation of the empire.[1] The guarantees were satisfactorily arranged, as will be seen, although not without some trouble, owing to Maximilian's decided refusal to let France absorb Sonora.[2]
After a series of brilliant receptions at Paris, the archduke and his consort crossed to England to hold an interview with Palmerston, leading to no better results than before. Ex-queen Marie Amélie, grandmother of Charlotte, living at Claremont, expressed herself decidedly opposed to the enterprise. She had experienced the dangers and illusions connected with a crown, and in a country more stable in culture and politics than Mexico. But nothing could now change the resolution taken.
Returning to Miramare, where the Mexican deputation was awaiting him,[3] Maximilian prepared to formally accept the throne. There was a serious hinderance, however. One condition expected by the Mexicans, and demanded by Emperor Francis Joseph, was that he should renounce his right of succession to the Austrian throne. But the sacrifice appeared greater as the time approached for making it. There was but one young son of the emperor between him and that mighty object, and the manner in which Francis Jo-
- ↑ Although the English were bribed with a payment toward previous neglected loans, the money was subscribed mainly in France. Nearly 27 millions remained unplaced out of the total nominal sum of 201 million francs, which at 63 per cent equalled 127 millions to be received. The net result, less expenses, was 93,726,119. The English obtained from this 23 millions against old dividends. Interest on the actual loan for 2 years took 24 millions at 6 per cent on the nominal sum. Maximilian received 8 millions, and the French managed to seize a part of the small remainder. Méx., Mem. Hac., 1870, 602-3. Niox, Expéd. du Méx., 360, is somewhat loose in his figures. Arrangoiz growls at the sum taken by the emperor, and so does Iglesias. Revistas, ii. 318-19, 343-8, 377-89.
- ↑ A point used afterward as an argument for defence. See Max., Defensa, 50. It was rumored at this time that a kingdom might be formed from the provinces south of Tehuantepec isthmus, including Yucatan, Guatemala, and Honduras, with the count of Flanders for ruler. Lêfevre, Doe. Maximiliano, 411-2. Mexicans sought to oppose Maxinmilian's visit to Paris in his then yielding mood, but Napoleon expressing a decided wish to see him, he dared not delay. He arrived at Paris March 5th.
- ↑ Consisting of nearly the same number as before. Miranda had returned to Mexico, and there died March 7th. He was a zealous churchman, as instanced by his several writings, one of which I possess in autograph, entitled La Vida ó la Muerte, MS., 1837, 90 leaves.
