by the fiscals was then discussed and approved, many of those present subscribing at once, the archbishop heading the list with thirty thousand pesos. Among the recipients of honors were Garibay and the archbishop, both of whom were decorated with the grand cross of Cárlos III., while Gabriel de Yermo, Diego de Agreda, Sebastian de las Heras Soto, and José Maríano Fagoaga were raised to the dignity of títulos de Castilla.[1] Other honors were conferred upon a number of individuals corresponding to their positions and the services rendered by them, and it was observed that many of the recipients had been principal actors in the deposal of Iturrigaray.
Both the demands for money and the awards of honor were offensive to the Spanish Americans. The appeal to them for more gold and silver in the same breath that bestowed titles and distinctions upon their opponents was an insult, and their indignation drove them in still greater numbers to the ranks of the revolutionists who were already in the field.[2] For Hidalgo had given the signal for revolt; the grito de Dolores was already echoing throughout the land, and thousands were rising in arms to do battle for liberty and the rights of man.
- ↑ Gaz. de Mex., 1810, i. 764-5, 776-86; Diario de Mex., xiii. 347-8. The titulo de Castilla was a title of nobility intermediate between those of the grandees and hidalgos of Spain. Salvá, Nuevo Dicc., 1054. Yermo and Fagoaga declined the honor. Alaman, Hist. Mej., i. 343-4.
- ↑ The Mexican deputation to Spain stated in August 1811 that 'las gracias que Ilevó el Virey Don Francisco Venegas para los autores cómplices de la faccion' carried alarm through the country. Diputac. Amer. Rep., 3.
