Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/633

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RESIGNATION OF THE PRESIDENT.
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In addition to this, the government suffered direct military disasters. Its troops had laid siege to Guadalajara December 15th, but met with so severe a repulse that active operations were suspended within a fortnight.[1] The motives of the general in command were evidently similar to those influencing the congress — to watch the turn of the current — for the soldiers could not be relied upon, and the revolutionists were preparing to advance upon the capital.[2] The turn soon came. Arista saw that resistance was useless. After one more vain appeal to the chambers,[3] which opened the regular session with the new year, he resigned January 5, 1853, surrendering the government, in accordance with the constitution, to Chief Justice Juan Bautista Ceballos.[4] He lived for a while on his estate, till exiled in May, when he proceeded to Spain, dying at Lisbon in August 1855.[5]

  1. Gen. Miñon, who had succeeded Vasquez in the command, being wounded. The representations of the revolutionists had doubtless some effect. See correspondence in Suarez y Navarro, Santa-Anna Burlándose, 100 et seq.
  2. They had already compelled the removed governor to retreat into Guanajuato, whither they followed to coerce the still loyal or neutral authorities of this state. They took possession of its capital, but were soon driven forth; yet the country districts were gradually joining them, the agitator Liceaga having risen successfully in their behalf. Guan., Mem., 42-7. Lerdo explains his efforts to prevent disorder. Espos., 59-63; Pap. Var., cxcix. pt 9.
  3. Deputy Franquiz urged the unconditional concession of a million 'sin pensar, sin leer, sin discurrir,' only to excite derision.
  4. Méx., Col. Ley., Dec. y Órd., 1853, 4-5. Minister Yañez had left already on Dec. 10th, urging Arista to follow his example. Español, Jan. 5, 8, 1853. His protest, etc., in Universal, May 31, 1853.
  5. Of an ulcer, for which he was about to seek relief at Paris. He died after embarking on board the steamer Tagus, August 7th. He was also 4, etc.; Revere, Keel and Saddle, 232-5, gives some account of the Michoacan campaign, in which he shared. Siendo Liberales, 1851, 1-3:2, discusses the religious question in Michoacan on behalf of the clergy. Bib. Mex., Amen., i. 17. Comments of Ex-minister Robles, in Pap. Var., cxcix. pt viii. 3-5; Gerard, Excurs., 162-7, 184-8. The Tampico revolution and measures against it are noticed in Arch. Mex., Actas, i. 367-72. Text of this pronunciamiento and capture of Gov. Cárdenas in Universal, Nov. 28, Dec. 26, 1852. Gonzalez, Hist. Aguasc., 183-98, gives details concerning movements in this little state. Echeverria and subsequently Solano held sway here and in Zacatecas. San Luis Potosí also felt the stir. The chief leader in Puebla at the time was named Victoria. The legislature authorized the levy of 6,000 men to maintain order. Español, Sept. 25, Nov. 3, 1852. Mexico was disturbed at several points. Report in Madrid, Manif., 1-23; Pape Var., ccii. pt 8. Rebolledo Îhad already declared for Santa Anna. Suarez y Navarro, Santa-Anna Burlándose, 125-6. For conditions in Oajaca, Oaj., Mem., 1851, 1-19; 1852, 1-34.