plied conservative right to offices. A good understanding should be restored between church and state by means of a concordat with Rome, embracing a removal of the insecurity hanging over alienated estates, the right of acquiring property and the means of sustenance for the clergy[1] Meanwhile steps should be taken to smooth difficulties, and foremost to hasten the organization of the army, and perfect a plan for the finance department. As a means to improve the condition of the poorer classes, a system of land grants was inaugurated.[2]
In accordance with this plan came a host of additional appointments, and changes, especially in the ranks of prefects and councillors,[3] and several anti-catholic enactments were revoked, including that which had transferred the cemeteries to municipal control.[4] Nothwithstanding the declared inviolability of property, an embargo was laid on that of all persons hostile to the empire, to be administered for the benefit of bereaved loyal families — an act which only encouraged the Juarists to larger reprisal.[5] The change of policy was received with mixed feelings. Stanch conservatives accepted it as a triumph,[6] and
- ↑ A base for such a concordat had been brought by Fischer, and it was widely believed that a payment of ten per cent of the value of seized estates might be accepted. Maximilian later declared that he had been deceived by Fischer. So says Basch, Erinn., ii. 17, etc. Seminaries should be founded to promote education among the clergy.
- ↑ The usual suggestions followed for fostering colonization, agriculture, commerce, etc., for reforming the administration of justice, for settling land disputes between communities and individuals. The number of councillors should be increased, but only a few to receive salary. The government had to sustain its free control of the national army. 'Una parte del programa era la reprobacion completa de los actos del Emperador,' observes Arrangoiz, Méj., iv. 151. Iglesias and others sneer at it.
- ↑ Complete lists from Diario Imp., Sept. 19, Oct. 17, 1866; La Voz de Méj., etc., have been preserved by Arrangoiz. Méj., iv. 143, 151, etc.
- ↑ Thus by decree of Sept. 19th the bodies of persons not belonging to the catholic religion were to be interred in special cemeteries or parts. Catholic grounds were to be surrendered to the bishops. The issue of the civil code on July 6th, with affirmation of the civil marriage rite, had left an unfavorable impression.
- ↑ Larger, because conservatives owned most estates. See Juarez' decree of confiscating property of imperialists. Méx., Col. Leyes, 1862-7, iii. 128–30, 131-7.
- ↑ Deputations come to thank the emperor for the step. Rivera, Hist. Jal., v, 681-2.
