met. The discussions were warm, the viceroy being somewhat ill-tempered. Verdad, the syndic of the ayuntamiento, proposed the establishment of a provisional government, still maintaining the previous theory that in the absence of a legitimate monarch the sovereignty reverted to the people. These views were strenuously opposed by the audiencia, which represented the Spanish faction, and regarded Verdad's expressions as seditious. [1] Allegiance to Fernando was agreed upon, and he was proclaimed king of Spain and the Indies; an oath was taken to obey no orders proceeding from the emperor of the French or his representatives; and the viceroy was recognized as the king's lieutenant in New Spain, the audiencia and other royal tribunals retaining their authority. These decisions were drawn up in the form of an act, which was signed by those present. [2]
A disturbance occurred at Vera Cruz, occasioned by the arrival of a French vessel bearing despatches from Joseph Bonaparte. The ship was fired upon from Ulúa, and was not allowed to enter port until she had lowered her colors and hoisted a white flag. When the documents were read they were found to contain orders of Joseph, confirming in their several positions the Mexican authorities in that port, and extending to them various favors. The despatches
- ↑ Rev. Verdadero Origen, no. ii. 34-7.
- ↑ See copy of the act in Hernandez y Dávalos, Col. Doc. Indep., i. 513-16. There are eighty-two signatures, comprising those of the viceroy, archbishop, oidores, and principal authorities. It was declared null by the audiencia of Guadalajara, Id., i. 534; while Riaño, the intendente of Guanajuato, considered that certain expressions might be improperly interpreted, 'pueden motivar alguna siniestra inteligencia que conviene evitar.' Id., i. 529. On the 11th of August Iturrigaray proclaimed the result. The document was severely criticised by Fray Melchor de Talamantes, of whose political tendencies mention will be made later. Talamantes charges the viceroy with having his own interest more at heart than those of the kingdom. 'Qué debe esperarse de vos,' he asks, 'que habeis velado hasta ahora sobre vuestros propios intereses y no sobre los del reino y en su organizacion; que no habeis tenido otra ley que vuestros caprichos, que solo habeis consultado à vuestras diversiones y paseos mirando con indiferencia la administracion pública.' Id., i. 510-7, where see copy of the proclamation with Talamantes' annotations. On the 13th of August allegiance to Fernando was expressed by a celebration in his honor, solemnized by religious ceremonies, and enlivened by processions and illuminations. Id., i. 518-19; Gaz. de Mej., 1808, xv. 508-70.
