Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/744

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
724
DOWNFALL OF LIBERAL INSTITUTIONS.

fusing to second the plan de Tacubaya, as the new arrangement was styled, were to be superseded by others disposed to support it.[1] Juarez, on hearing the news, forthwith advised Comonfort not to accept the role thus tendered him. He had on the 15th assured congress that the government was on the alert.[2] Deputy Baz, on the 16th, had made known to the national legislature that it was to be dismissed the next morning, as he had seen the plan at Zuloaga's quarters the previous evening.[3] On the 17th congress made a solemn protest against the act of that date at Tacubaya,[4] and decreed Comonfort's authority as president at an end, and all his acts, in his new role of revolutionary leader, as null and void.[5]

The day following the pronunciamiento Zuloaga's brigade occupied the capital, where the governor, Agustin Alcérreca, and the small garrison accepted the situation without a murmur. The presidents of the supreme court, Juarez, and of the congress, Isidoro Olvera, and several deputies, were arrested, and congress dissolved. The ayuntamiento of Mexico was also deposed. Even now, under circumstances so plainly showing his complicity in the outrages just committed, Comonfort appeared to hesitate, and it was not till the 19th that he officially announced his acceptance of the plan of Tacubaya, believing that the city of Vera Cruz would sustain him, and after setting free the political prisoners, excepting Juarez, he published a manifesto setting forth the causes that had prompted his course. After mature reflection, he became convinced that, under the circumstances, only

  1. Arrangoiz, Méj., ii. 353-4; El Eco Nac., Dec, 19, 1857; Diario de Avisos, Dec. 18, 1837; Rivera, Gob. de Méx., ii. 528.
  2. 'Velaba por el órden y la constitucion.'
  3. It seems that no heed was paid that day to Baz' announcement. Baz, Vida de Juarez, 118-19.
  4. It said that the 'segundo caudillo de Ayutla,' who had had so much tust put into his hands, and only a few days before had sworn to be the faithful guardian of the country's institutions, had suddenly turned into a 'fuccioso vulgar.' Archivo Mec., Col. Ley., iii. 1030-4.
  5. That decree was officially published, May 13, 1861. Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., ix. 217-18.