Among the several incidents that the discussion on the constitution gave rise to, one of the most important was brought about by deputies opposed to liberal ideas, who advocated placing the regency of the Spanish dominions in the hands of the princess Carlota Joaquina, Fernando's sister, who with her husband, the prince of Brazil, was at Rio Janeiro, whence she had addressed letters to the córtes and authorities demanding that her son, the prince Don Pedro, should be recognized as regent. The córtes refused the demand, and the affair ended in the appointment of a new regency, with five members, in place of three.[1] Another important matter was an offer made by the British government to mediate between Spain and her American possessions, which was declined through fear that England would get them all.[2] It finally became the practice to choose the president of the chamber from the American deputies every other month.[3] And they well deserved it, no less by reason of their talents and learning, than for their honesty and patriotism. The great reputation and influence that several of them enjoyed in their respective countries after their independence were first won by them in the córtes at Cádiz.
- ↑ Duque del Infantado, a councillor of state and native of Carácas; Viceadmiral Juan María Villavicencio; Ignacio Rodriguez de Rivas, of the council of Castile; and Lieut-gen. O'Donnell, conde del Abisbal.
- ↑ The offer was at last accepted, but accompanied with impracticable conditions. In 1812 England repeated the offer, with suggestions to serve as a base for negotiations, namely, 1. cessation of hostility by land or sea; 2. general amnesty; 3. confirmation of rights and American representation in the córtes; 4. free trade, with certain advantages given to Spaniards; 5. offices of viceroy, governors, etc., in America to be given without distinction to Americans and Europeans; 6. the internal government of America and the administration of all its branches to be in charge of the ayuntamientos conjointly with the chief of the province. European Spaniards to be equally eligible. America to recognize Fernando as her sovereign, and give him money. Correio Braziliense, no. li.; El Español, Sept. 1812; Guerra, Hist. Revol. N. Esp., ii. 703-4. Offer of mediation rejected by 101 to 46. According to El Español, the mediation was not refused as regarded Carácas, Santa Fé, and Quito; but there being no revolutionary government in Mexico, it was deemed improper to treat with rioters.
- ↑ The first American president was Canon Antonio Joaquin Perez; others followed, and Morales Duarez having died suddenly on the 2d of April, 1812, whilst holding that office, the córtes paid his remains most distinguished honors. The deputy from Zacatecas, Gordoa, was the last president of the extraordinary córtes. Alaman, Hist. Méj., iii. 102.
