An Insane Empress.

Evening Star, Issue 6802, 6 January 1886, Page 3

An Insane Empress.

New developments continue to manifest themselves in the case of Empress Carlotta. It will be remembered that the Empress recently celebrated the forty-fifth anniversary of her birth, and that it was announced that a marked improvement had taken place in her mental and bodily health. Dr Smith, the specialist charged with the custody of the unfortunate lady, after an extended observation of her ailment, now reports that he can find no basis for any hope that the Empress will have any permanent recovery from her malady. He says she is possessed of a persistent delusion that Maximillian is alive, that he is working out a brilliant destiny, and that he will soon be Emperor of the whole world. She spends much of her time in searching for him in the rooms and gardens of her chateau at Ilouchant. In her calmer moods she holds receptions, 'l'hese are limited to the laities of the Belgian Court, and towards thuse the Empress maintains an extremely dignified and imperial mien. One phase of Carlotta's insanity is remarkable. She has conceived a violent passion for making' frequent purchases of costly court costumes. She is permitted to indulge this passion, and as she buys with exquisite taste, the costumes are consequently sold, generally without loss, and often with great profit, to ladies of high standing in Brussels.