dismounted or stepped from their vehicles, and midst a floral shower rent the air with vivas. Nearer the town appeared the archbishop and several other prelates with the canopy, both of the sovereigns kissing the ring of the primate.
The entry into Mexico took place on the 12th, amidst great enthusiasm. The principal streets were profusely draped in gala attire, and windows had been rented at fabulous prices for the occasion. At the palace waited Bazaine and other leading generals and officials, including Mejía, fresh from his victory in the north over Doblado. Appointed spokesman by the knights of Guadalupe, the rough soldier manifested some trepidation before the brilliant assembly, whereupon Maximilian took the paper from his hand and embraced him, saying: "I care not for words, but for hearts. I know that yours belongs to me.[1]
Among the provincial people at the reception, with attendant balls, banquets, illuminations, and entertainments, were departmental deputations, to which great attention was paid.[2] Decorations were freely dispensed;[3]and not content with the order of Guadalupe, a new one was created not long after, called the
- ↑ The empress was given by leading ladies a magnificent toilet-table with a profusion of silver ornaments incrusted and in relief. It was also decided to erect a marble arch in her honor at the entrance to the Piedad avenue, henceforth to be called after her. An illustrated description of the different arches, decorations, and ceremonies on the occasion may be found in Max. y Carlota, Adven., 252, and passim; Le Saint, Guerre, 115-28. Among special brochures on the subject are Vega, Programa, 1-10; Méx., Espos. Sentiment., 1-6; Max., Com. Poéticas; Pap. Var., xcv. pt iv; Periód. Ofic., June 12, 1864, et seq.; also the books referred to in connection with Vera Cruz. Festivities in other cities are described in Compos Poét., 1861, 1-54; Gallardo, Discurso, Leon, 1864, 1-30; Zamora, Expos., 1-15; Guadal., Seis de Julio, 1-27; Yuc., Discurso., 1864, 1-31; Pájaro Verde, El Cronista, Estafeta, Sociedad, La Voz de Méj., and other journals of June 13th and subsequent dates. Poetry is scattered throughout these publications. Payno growls in later republican finance reports at the extravagance of the emperor with banquets and other entertainments. Cuentas, Gastos, 698-700; and Lefêvre, Doc. Ofic., i. 379-81, instances expenditures by local authorities, those of Vera Cruz amounting to $54,954. During the trip from this city to the palace at Mexico the emperor passed under 1,500 triumphal arches, according to Juarist versions.
- ↑ For list of these and their speeches, see Max. y Carlota, Adven., 317 et seq.
- ↑ Arrangoiz criticises this prodigality, especially in the direction of Europe, 'á individuos desconocidos, que nada habían hecho por el pais.' Méj., iii. 223. A list of decorated personages may be found in Almanaque Imp., 1866, 216, et seq.; Méx., Boletin Ley., 1864, 30-1.
