and senators were dispersed and strictly forbidden to hold meetings.[1]
Their last act was a bitter protest against the ungrateful Ceballos. Deceived by his stanch opposition to Arista's very slight attempt at arbitrariness, they had raised him to the presidency, and shown their confidence by intrusting him with the special power refused to the submissive Arista. And this was the return. The situation no doubt seemed to demand prompt measures, and Ceballos evidently took a prudent course in yielding to the popular plan, regardless of the representatives for whom he had been chosen to act; but the coup d'état served only to precipitate the inevitable revolution into a new channel. The ministers recognized their rashness and resigned, Blanco alone retaining office with a view to use his influence for private and party interests.[2] The president was but a child at the mercy of the stronger party leaders surrounding him. Lombardini, a warm admirer of Santa Anna, declared openly for the plan of Guadalajara, while acknowledging the existing administration; and Uraga was invited by Blanco to a conference. In the belief that this manœuvre strengthened his position, Ceballos sought to avail himself thereof to obtain a loan; to which end a new tariff was projected, with due regard for the changes demanded by the gulf ports;[3] but cautious capitalists were not to be so readily persuaded, at least by such a government. Its fall was retarded only by differences which
- ↑ Decree of Jan. 21st. Méx., Col. Ley., Dec. y Órd., 1853, 7-8, 23-4; Id., Col. Ley. Fund., 307. Their protest, in Universal, Jan. 21, 1853, Siglo XIX., and other journals. Their proceedings are recorded in Arch. Méx., Actas, ii. 3, and passim. Ceballos explained in a proclamation that his only motives were to stay civil war, by calling a new national representation to suggest the means for harmonious readjustment. The garrison announced its approval of his course.
- ↑ Fuente had taken the alarm already on the 18th, Guevara and Urquidi following his example on the 20th and 21st. Correspondence with Uraga in Suarez y Navarro, Santa-Anna Burlándose, 148 et seq.
- ↑ Export duty was reduced to four per cent, circulation to two per cent, and in most other respects the reformed tariff of 1849 was to be followed. Army reforms were also proposed, and a temperate prudence was shown in letting officials retain their position, even when not in accord with the new plans.
