Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/93

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DEFENCE OF THE REPUBLIC.
73

command to Antillon, and Marquez had to turn over his to J. M. Arteaga.[1]

In a circular of the minister of war to the governors, after speaking of the evidences of hatred to the invaders displayed on thę journey, and of the necessity of forgetting party dissensions to think only of saving the country, they were reminded that authorities set up by the foreign bayonets were spurious and did not constitute a government, the governnent both de facto and de jure being in existence; and therefore, the republic could not and would not be bound by any treaties, compacts, or pledges, or by any acts of commission or omission of those functionaries, so-called.[2] The governors replied with assurances of their unswerving fidelity to the republican government.[3] Several of the states, San Luis Potosí at their head, having contemplated a coalition for their common defence, to which Zacatecas refused her assent, the president disapproved the scheme as unconstitutional.[4]

The reactionists at the capital lost no time in their preparations for coming events, their action being

  1. Doblado advised Marquez to obey without a murmur, using these words: 'Deje V. que se pierda la situacion bajo la responsibilidad de estas gentes; nosotros la levantaremos mas tarde.' Marquez de Leon, Mem. Póst., MS., 231-2 The republican cause had now to mourn the death of one of its most trusty adherents, Gen. La Llave, which occurred on the 23d of June. Funeral honors were paid his remains on the 27th. Méx., Col. Leyes, 1863-7, i. 36; La Voz de Mej., Aug. 8, 20, 1863.
  2. The circular, which is dated June 13, 1863, further says that all Mexicans exercising functions derived from the French source are offenders against the laws of the country and liable to severe punishment. Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., ix. 627-8; Méx., Col. Leyes, 1863-7, i. 13-15. On the 29th of September of the same year Mexicans were forbidden to hold office under a foreign government. Id., 146-8.
  3. It was evident that with the exception of 'un miserable puñado de traidores' the whole country rejected the French intervention. Iglesias, Interv., ii. 9.
  4. Under article 111. Minister La Fuente's circular was dated June 27th. Méx., Col. Leyes, 1863-7, i. 38-40. A few days previously, on the 22d, the president had to decree the state of Durango under martial law, because of a military emeute headed by Col Tomás Borrego. Gen. José M. Patoni, the constitutional governor, was reinstated. Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., ix. 630, 632-3.