Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/157

Rh himself had gained the sceptre held out alluring hopes for similar accidents. The archducal pair wished to retain their right at least in behalf of descendants, and a decided coldness sprang up between the brothers on this point, Charlotte displaying her agitation by casy-flowing tears. Mexican history for the last half-century presented by no means a reassuring prospect to rulers.

Finally the emperor came over to Miramare and the matter was arranged, Maximilian signing, on the 9th of April, the desired renunciation in behalf of himself and his descendants. On the following day he received the Mexican deputation in the midst of a brilliant assemblage. Their president, Gutierrez de Estrada, was spokesman, and announced that the vote of the assembly of notables had been ratified by an immense majority of the people, through the municipal authorities and other popular bodies. They accordingly came to ask him for a full and definite acceptance of the Mexican throne, from which to advance the glorious destiny of the country. The archduke replied that a careful examination of the acts of allegiance filled him with confidence in the ratification, so that he could regard himself as the rightful elect of the people. The French emperor had given the necessary guarantees for enabling the new empire to establish its independence and welfare on solid bases; and the chief of his family having consented, he now solemnly accepted from the Mexican