In spite of this the British Government continues to be very suspicious
of the honesty of the Ameer.

Word has been sent to him from the Government that no war material or
machinery for manufacturing it will be allowed to cross the frontier
into Afghanistan until the present troubles are over, and the tribes at
peace.

* * * * *

Some time ago we talked to you about the Ex-Empress Charlotte of Mexico,
widow of the Emperor Maximilian who was shot by the Mexicans.

The Empress, as you doubtless remember, went out of her mind from the
troubles of her short reign in Mexico.

We told you that after thirty years of insanity the poor lady had given
signs of returning reason, and that the doctors thought a visit to
Mexico might entirely restore her.

Preparations were being made for the visit, which was to take place as
soon as the doctors thought it safe. All plans have now, however, had to
be abandoned, for the Empress Charlotte has become so alarmingly ill
that her life is despaired of, and the news of her death is hourly
expected.

Ever since her affliction she has been leading a quiet life at the
Palace of Larken, near Brussels.

Her insanity has never assumed a violent or unmanageable character, and