his moral energy and determination presented the only formidable check to the ambitious designs of the dictator, and reminded him of his obligations to those who had installed him. The restraint was further loosened by the demise shortly after of J. M. Tornel y Mendibil, the war minister, a man of erudition and experience; and although a devoted Santanist, he was swayed to some extent by federalist ideas.[1] And now Santa Anna gave freer reins to his actions, with the coöperation of more pliant ministerial creatures, headed by Diez y Bonilla.[2] He moved to Tacubaya immediately after Alaman's death, and lived there in regal state, with imposing pageantry and guards of honor in glittering uniforms. The palace, with its dazzling interior of tapestried and mirrored walls, costly furniture and statuary, and alcoves decked in choice flowers, became the frequent scene of balls and soirées; and here congregated the beauty, wealth, and influence of the country, forming a veritable court of sycophants and hangers-on, bending to his every whim.
It pleased him, this homage, and he deigned to recognize it by exerting his sovereign powers to adorn his courtiers with a fringe of nobility. He restored the Guadalupe order of Iturbide's ephemeral empire, an act explained to boorish republicans as required to perpetuate the glories of the independence, to reward
- ↑ He had figured with credit as a governor, senator, and minister, and achieved distinction as an orator and writer, in a large number of Discursos and minor issues. He died Sept. 11, 1853, and received far greater honors than his patron accorded to the less popular Alaman. Méx., Col. Ley., Dec. y Órd., 1853, v. 17-19; Tornel, Nac. Mej., 424 et seq.; Id., Carta, 3-7; Id., Manif., pts 1-3; Pap. Var., cl. pt 22, ccxix. pt 4. Zavala objects to his lack of character. Rev. Mex., ii. 36-7.
- ↑ As Alaman's successor, Aguilar y Marocho taking his place in the gobernacion department, and retaining it by a course of servile submission, as did Lares and Leon the portfolios of justice and fomento. The treasury office changed hands several times, as I have shown, owing to internal difficulties, and likewise the war ministry, intrusted to L. J. Alcorta, who in Jan. 1854 was succeeded by Blanco, Arista's scheming warm minister. Suarez y Navarro displayed such violence at being passed over for this position that he was exiled as a dangerous ingrate, and became an implacable foe. Consult appointments and comments, in Méx., Col. Ley., Dec. y Órd., 1853, iv. 201, 208-9, v. 93, etc.; Arch. Mex., Actas, i. 438, etc.; Eco de España, June-Oct., passim; and Universal, etc.
