MEXICO. 161 duced, by the introduction of the Spanish constitution into Mexico; which, although its most important articles were suspended almost immediately, so far favoured the develope- ment of a spirit of independence, that nothing could after- wards shake its' hold upon the minds of the people. This Constitution was, as may be recollected, sanctioned by the Cortes of Cadiz, in 1812, and immediately applied, not only to Spain, but to the Transatlantic dominions of the Crown. In Mexico it took effect in the Autumn of the same year, (29th September, 1812,) under the Viceroyalty of Venegas, who was soon convinced that his authority, if submitted to the test of public opinion, could not be long retained. So many violent pamphlets against Spain, and Spanish dominion, were published during the two only months that the liberty of the press was tolerated, (it lasted exactly sixty-six days from the 5th of October, 1812,) that the tranquillity of the Capital was endangered, notwithstanding the presence of a numerous garrison, and the palace itself threatened by an in- furiated mob. Vivas in favour of Morelos, and the Insur- gents, were heard under the Viceroy ""s own windov/s, as well as cries of " Down with the bad Government !" and even of
- ' Down with the King !" In short, (to use the words of the
Audiencia, paragraph 136,) " the political writings of the day produced upon the natives the same effect that spirituous li- quors cause amongst savages." A national feeling was created, and became every where predominant. Fortunately for Spain, the right of electing the members of the Ayuntamiento, and the Deputies to the Cortes, afforded a vent for passions, which must otherwise have led to some terrific explosion. Out of six hundred and Jifty-tioo elective appointments, of more or less importance, which the Mexicans were entitled by the Constitution to make, not one was bestowed upon an Euro- pean ; and most were filled by men notoriously addicted to the Independent cause ! Nor were the legal forms prescribed by the new system, for the prosecution of criminals, turned to VOL. I. M
