Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/545

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
ANAYA AND SANTA ANNA.
525

Anaya was born in Huichapan in 1795, and began his military career in June 1811, as a cadet.[1] In 1821 he joined Iturbide's movement, and marched to Guatemala under General Filisola. In 1823 he was made a major of cavalry; four years later a lieutenant-colonel; and in the short time from April to June 1833 a colonel and brigadier-general, for his faithful support of federal institutions. In later years he held several civil offices.

The whole attention of the government was now engaged in the war.[2] The capital was placed under martial law, and the executive clothed with extraordinary powers.[3]

On Santa Anna's return, May 20th, Anaya surrendered the government to him, and went to the front.[4] Santa Anna's measures after this were wholly military,[5] excepting one on the 21st of May, when he swore to carry out, and did publish, the Acta Constitutiva y de Reformas, passed on the 18th by the constituent congress, the third article of which declared that the acta constitutiva and federal constitution, sanctioned respectively on the 31st of January, and 24th of October, 1824, formed the only political

    Iriarte was, however, succeeded in the department of justice May 15th by Luis de la Rosa; and Gutierrez, in that of war, May 22d, by Lino José Alcorta.

  1. His promotions were so slow that, having taken part in 20 actions, he only became a captain early in 1819, and still held this rank in 1821.
  2. Several important measures were adopted, namely: organization of the national guard; a law for the punishment of deserters; and one of general amnesty for all political offences from the time Mexico became a nation. Another to the same effect was issued June 14th. Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., v. 268-9, 284-5.
  3. The act is dated April 20th. He was, however, forbidden to make peace with the U. S., to conclude negotiations with foreign powers, or to sell national territory. Art. 5 declares it high treason for any one to enter into treaties with the U. S. Bustamante, Mem. Hist. Mex., MS., vi. 228-9; Méx., Col. Ley. y Dec., 1847, 60-2; Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., v. 267-8.
  4. In the defence of the capital, Anaya was taken prisoner, but during the armistice, was unconditionally released.
  5. His ministers at the time were: of relations, M. Baranda to 17th June, D. Ibarra to 6th July, José R. Pacheco to Sept. 16th; of justice, J. M. Duran to June 17th, V. Romero to Sept. 16th; of the treasury, Juan Rondero to Sept. 7th, and F. M. Lombardo to Sept. 16th; of war, I. Gutierrez to May 22d, L. J. Alcorta to Sept. 16th. Méx., Mem. Hacienda, 1870, 1045.