pen, some journals advocating departure, others opposing it.[1] The conservatives were seized with consternation, for the fall of the throne implied to them loss of power and privileges, the fading of all prospects, and with all the dire vengeance of the republicans on their persons and estates. The blow startled above all the clergy, whose prelates were even then uniting at Mexico, hoping to settle questions between church and state.[2] Petitions by committees and in writing came pouring in against the departure, and Lares rushed forward with the resignation of the cabinet. But with the aid of Bazaine the ministers were reassured, and the journals gave notice that the journey was nothing more than one of the trips so frequently undertaken.[3] This served only in a measure to allay the excitement, and Bazaine thought it best to take precautions both against a possible mob in the capital, and against a combination of parties throughout the country.[4] Maximilian left Chapultepec for Orizaba before dawn the following morning, October 21st.[5]
- ↑ L'Estafette, the French journal, La Sociedad, and certain liberal papers, showed good reasons for abdication, to which La Patria, the ministerial organ, replied by pointing to a probable anarchy in consequence. One journal declared that Bazaine would remain as lieut-gen. of the empire, and created no little excitement in numbers for Oct. 21st et seq. Also Diario Imp., for announcement of the journey, etc., La Voz de Méj., etc.; Lefêvre, Doc. Maximiliano, ii. 352-5. Several writers express themselves as if Maximilian's departure was certain, but Rivera, Hist. Jal., v. 683, assumes that this rested on false assumption.
- ↑ Maximilian had himself prepared a speech for opening the synod, and Basch, Erinn., i. 39-44, produces, not without a certain vanity, his own Latin translation to be read by the emperor.
- ↑ Arrangoiz upholds the self-sacrificing patriotism of the ministers against the charge that they lost their heads, recognizing their lack of strength and energy. Méj., iv. 162-70. He scouts the idea that Bazaine's persuasion proved stronger than their own voice of honor. Basch writes that Maximilian's first impulse was to form a regency of Lares as presiding minister, Lacunza as presiding councillor, and Bazaine, with the charge to summon a congress to which the abdication should be submitted. The decree was made out, but kept for consideration. The second thought was to remove the government to Orizaba, Minister Arroyo accompanying, and Bazaine remaining in control at the capital. Erinnerungen aus Mexico, i. 56-7.
- ↑ Car il ne doutait pas ... on verrait les administrations se désorganiser et tous les partis unir leurs forces contre les Français. Niox, Expéd. du Mex., 633.
- ↑ Attended by Arroyo, minister of the household, Father Fischer, Dr Basch, Professor Bilimek, officers Rodrguez, Pradillo, and Secretary Ibarrondo. Herzfeld with an escort of 300 men under Kodolitsch remained to
