were generally asked, in accordance with law, but regarded or followed only when convenient.[1]
Santa Anna had during this occurrence marched to Perote, where in the guise of a mediator he awaited the turn of events, and as such addressed the government. The latter, which had so far affected to regard him as loyal,[2] sent a sharp reprimand for this unauthorized advance, to the neglect of the coast line intrusted to his care. Santa Anna pretended astonishment. He had actually calmed the revolutionary excitement around him, but deemed it his duty to urge a consideration of an evidently wide-spread demand for reform, and would hold the present ministers responsible for any blood spilled in opposing popular rights.[3] Such dictatorial language from an officer was properly met with dignified severity by Minister Almonte, who nevertheless concluded by accepting the meditation for the sake of the country, in so far as to exhort the risen leaders to submit to. the government,[4] promising that all complaints should receive due attention. Santa Anna's reply was to. openly adhere, on September 9th, to the plan of Guadalajara as modified by Valencia,[5] and then to march to
- ↑ Bustamante indicates two revolutionary manifestations at Mexico in the preceding December and January, Gabinete Mex., ii. 96-7, 100; Id., MS., 1-17, 26-32, 39-41, which should have warned the government. The election of Tornel as mayor had been opposed by the authorities and created discontent. See also Tornel, Varios Esp., 1-22; Pap. Var., cxciii. pt 2.
- ↑ On the ground of certain letters wherein he had lately censured the demand for reduced taxes. The Diario Gob., no. 2276, denies the rumors against his plotting.
- ↑ And for any violence against General Paredes 'ú otros gefes beneméritos que se presentan á sostener como aquel, los derechos imprescriptibles de los pueblos.' Letters in Gabinete Mex., ii. 145 et seq.
- ↑ If the pronounced leaders submitted they would be treated with indulgence, although a military mutiny at a time when the republic stood threatened in the north and south-east merited severe chastisement.
- ↑ Bustamante must not govern despotically at the head of troops, regardless of law; nor has the poder conservador the right to authorize such attitude. The president, having decided to assume command of the troops in person and decide the question by force, has violated the constitution, and must not resume executive power. No other means of salvation remains for the republic than to sanction the bases proclaimed by Valencia. In transmitting this act to the government, Santa Anna stated that if other chiefs had not already risen in behalf of national rights, the despotic order of the president in declaring Mexico in a state of siege and assuming command of the army would
