Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/122

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CHAPTER V.

CONSERVATIVE RULE.

1830-1832.

Despotic Measures — Codallos' Revolution — Yorkino Opposition — Politcal Blunders — Institutions Prostituted — Inclan's Affair — Impending Changes — Santa Anna's Pronunciamiento — His Defeat at Tolome — Siege of Vera Cruz — Its Failure — Revolutions in Tamaulipas — Teran's Suicide — Santa Anna's Reformed plan — It is Seconded Elsewhere — Battle of Los Carmelos — Fall of San Luis Potosí — Its Effects in Mexico — Acting President Muzquiz — Bustamante's Victory in Guanajuato — Santa Anna's Success — Bustamante's Defeats in Puebla — Armistice — Plans of Pacification — The Revolution Triumphant

The party which had labored so hard for nine years to gain control of the government was at last triumph ant. It was believed by many that the change would prove beneficial. Indeed, friends and foes alike trust ed that the pledges of the leading men would be faithfully carried out, and a constitutional policy with tolerance adopted. Unfortunately, the new rulers manifested no such intentions. Their first step was to draw from congress a vote to legalize the rev olution that had elevated them to power. Relying on the clergy and the army, they initiated a policy of persecution against the authorities, functionaries, and prominent men of the yorldno or popular party.[1]

Freedom of the press soon ceased under the re-

  1. Several governors and others were deposed, a number of prominent citizens exiled, and the jails filled with political opponents, or persons denounced by paid spies. Rivera, Hist. Jalapa, ii. 590-1, 596-7; Mora, Obras Sueltas, ii. 426-9; Posadas, Alegato Def., 1-16; Atleta, 1830, ap. 20, 485.

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