Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/102

 CHAPTER VII.

OW comes on to the stage the famous decree of October 3, 1865, which has cost so many tears. It is deeply important to establish its real origin, as well as its exact import. We must, first of all, say that there is cause for painful surprise that the ministers who countersigned this decree, and subsequently abandoned Maximilian in order to take refuge in France, have not as yet raised their voice to defend the memory of the sovereign who himself conceived and signed this fatal bando; for in full council, and from the very lips of the emperor, they had learnt the truth.

As soon as the news that Juarez had crossed the frontier at Paso del Norte reached Mexico, there was great joy at the palace. The army then held all the strong positions. The disappearance of the republican chief afforded a hope of an abatement of hostilities on the part of the so-called liberal party, now driven into a corner and left without a head. Maximilian, who believed that he was the bonâ fide choice of a people wearied out with disorder and turmoil, felt a pride in his regenerating character, and flattered himself that the Juarists were completely overthrown, and that by paying honour to the vanquished party, he should