graphed the fact to Bazaine, who forthwith cut off all telegraphic communication from the public, ordered the baggage to be stopped, and then, addressing Maximilian himself, informed him that he was aware of his plans of flight, and that he would not be allowed to depart without previously abdicating in form.
Again, Mr. Chynoweth[1] states that it was the Imperial Commissary in Vera Cruz who, hearing of the arrival of the baggage, informed General Bazaine, then in the city of Mexico, of so significant a fact, and that the latter telegraphed to the officer in command at Orizaba to arrest the Emperor.
It was certainly desirable from the French standpoint that the abdication should precede the evacuation, as it could then be made to appear that, Maximilian having renounced his enterprise, there was no longer need of a French army to support him on his throne, and it could return to Europe with untarnished laurels; whereas, if the forces were to withdraw first, there would be no disguising the humiliating fact that from one cause or another the whole venture had proved a diplomatic and military failure, and that Maximilian's subsequent sure abdication, ejection, or capture would be the natural result of the inability of Napoleon to fulfil his promises.
- ↑ "Fall of Maximilian," by W. Harris Chynoweth.
