tions were made to formally celebrate the accession of the king, as soon as the rainy season had passed, with a prolonged series of solemn processions and masses by different public bodies, followed by bull fights, banquets, fireworks, illuminations, balls, and other performances, and this in every town and settlement throughout the country, in a manner that did much to cast a veil over the less acceptable features of the occasion.[1] The army was flattered by Calleja in a special appeal, and reminded that the constitution, which he now termed illusive, would have deprived it of cherished privileges. Efforts were besides made to keep the soldiers in good humor by the enforcement of different measures for their comfort and weal.[2] Nor was Calleja himself overlooked. He received the approval of the king, with promotion to the rank of lieutenant-general.
In order to soften the blow the king had issued a decree of May 24th, manifesting his interest in the people, promising to remedy grievances, and holding out the prospect of convoking new córtes wherein America should receive due representation.[3] Although this remained a dead letter, the creoles were somewhat consoled to find five among them given places in the restored council of the Indies,[4] and Indians received
- ↑ A programme of celebrations at Mexico, extending from Dec. 8th till Jan. 7th, is given in Id, 1344, and descriptions of special ceremonies appear in following numbers. Medals were struck to commemorate the incident. Iturbide gave at Irapuato a sham battle to represent Calleja's victory at Calderon. Id, 1815, vi. 102-6, 388-90, etc.; Negrete, Mex. Siglo XIX., vi. 471-8; Córtes, Acta Ord., 1814, ii. 187. During the festivities a rare phenomenon took place in a fall of snow on Dec. 26th, four inches in thickness. The pendon celebration of the conquest was renewed, and Cárlos IV. and his reviled consort received again honors on their saints' days.
- ↑ Proclamation in Gaz. de Mex., 1814, v. 1009-11. Decrees for army in Fernando VII., Decretos, 4-5, 9-22, 65-7, and how applied. Pap. Var., clviii. pt xxxiii. 994-8; Rivero, Mex., 1842, 151.
- ↑ Gaz. de Mex., 1814, v. 1025-7. The constitution of 1812 and the córtes are here termed illegal and unauthorized, and aiming to undermine monarchy, religion, and welfare. 'De la proxima convocacion de las Córtes. . se ocupa una comision. ' Five days later appeared a decree countermanding the departure of any deputies.
- ↑ Including Oidor Morquera y Figueroa, late regent of New Spain, Oidor Bodega of Mexico, a Peruvian by birth, and the Guatemalan Alcinena. The Mexican Lardizábal y Uribe, brother of the minister, was replaced in the restored council of Castile. Id., 1217-20, etc.
