CHAPTER VII.
MAXIMILIAN IN MEXICO.
1864.
Conciliating Policy and Conservative Jealousy — Growing Dislike of the French — Maximilian's Weakness of Character — Reorganization of the Army — Excursion to the Interior, and Maximilian's Inferences therefrom — Guerrillas Termed Brigands, and Ordered Hunted down — Church Question — Nuncio in Mexico — Commission to Rome — Property Confiscation — Juarist Reverses.
Measures so far were directed in particular to conciliate the people, and thereby to counteract the influence of and win over the liberals, who relied mainly on the masses. In doing so, Maximilian paid perhaps too little attention to the conservatives, to whom he owed his election. At any rate, they expected recognition and reward for their services, and all could not be satisfied. As we have seen, party spirit in Mexico had early drifted into personal currents, intent on offices and other spoils, and regardless of principles and the common good. They refused to see that their own and the national weal demanded for the present a conciliatory policy toward the contending factions, in order to place the empire on a sure basis. It was to their interest to forbear a while, but they would not. One pressed the other. Individual and party jealousies, and the insensate selfishness of the clerical element, quickly created obstacles to block their path.[1]
- ↑ On his return from Miramare, after Maximilian's preliminary acceptance of the crown, Miranda expressed fears that a wrong choice had been made, 'parecía hombre de carácter ligero.' Arrangoiz, Méj., iii. 218. This doubt was aroused mainly on the question of church rights.
