and the rapidity of their counsels were, however, not sufficiently well known, and it was not until June 20th that the Austrian Minister in Washington received from Count Beust the telegram instructing him to "request Mr. Seward to let Juarez know, and, if possible. Prince Maximilian, that the Emperor of Austria is ready to re-establish Maximilian in all his rights of succession as Archduke of Austria, after his release and his renunciation of all his projects in Mexico."[1] Señor Romero was instantly told of this, and presumably lost no time in informing Juarez. But it was then too late. Such an overture made sooner would at least have refuted some of the arguments made against the release of the Prince. These arguments are perhaps best set forth in a letter from Mr. Romero to Hon. Hiram Barney, of New York, under date of May 31, 1867, in answer to personal letters from him in connection with that all-absorbing topic. The following extract will serve to illustrate:
"I have perused with interest your remarks about the way in which we ought to treat the enemies of Mexico. I do not know what disposition President Juarez will make of Maximilian, but I am afraid that if he is allowed to go back to Europe with impunity, he will be a constant menace to the peace of Mexico. He will keep on styling himself to our
- ↑ Before accepting the Mexican throne the Archduke had to abdicate his eventual right to that of Austria.
