constitution, and even tendered his resignation, which was not accepted.[1] At last he became convinced that with an empty treasury nothing could be accomplished, and resolved to quit Mexico, still pretending that he could sustain himself,[2] and with a show of calmness inaugurated the work of railroad construction. But as the revolution made great progress in the east, fear seized him that his exit might be cut off; and pretending that his presence was greatly needed in Vera Cruz, he deceived his own supporters.[3] Early on the 9th of August he started for Vera Cruz, leaving authority with the ministers to transact ordinary business.[4] That same morning was published his decree of the previous day to enforce one issued by him March 16, 1854, and kept under seal, appointing his successor. The successor thus appointed was a triumvirate, consisting of the president of the supreme court and generals Mariano Salas and Martin Carrera,[5] who, once installed, were to summon a congress to form a constitution.
General Diaz de la Vega remained in command of the capital. Upon Santa Anna's departure becoming generally known, there was much manifest uneasiness. The silence of the official press confirmed the dangers of the situation; and though Santa Anna's most intimate friends denied that he intended leaving the country, their assertion was not believed after the appointment of his successor was made public. The
- ↑ The plan of a constituent congress to make a fundamental code received no favor. Preference seemed to be for an organic statute, which was adopted, together with Bernardo Couto's motion to make no compromise with the revolutionists.
- ↑ Shortly before this, he received from the king of Prussia the decoration of a Knight of the Red Eagle. Rivera, Hist. Jalapa, iv. 540; Correo de Esp., 1855, June 20.
- ↑ Minister Lares, on the 2d of Aug., when Santa Anna's family was departing for Vera Cruz, denied in a circular that his highness intended to abandon the republic.
- ↑ Méx., Col. Ley., Dec. y Órd., 1855, Jan.-Aug., viii. 332.
- ↑ It was also provided that, in the event of the death of either of those generals, the vacancy should be filled by generals Rómulo Diaz de la Vega and Ignacio Mora y Villamil, in the order they were named. Méx., Legisl. Mej., 1855, 401-2; Méx., Col. Ley. Fund., 322; Dublan and Lozano, vii. 553.
