Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/463

Evaristo Perez de Castro, a European deputy, then moved that the Americans should have the right of a representation exactly equal to that of Spain, and that the forthcoming constitution should establish the mode of representation; but elections should be held in America in the same manner as in Spain for the córtes then sitting, namely, one deputy for every 50,000 inhabitants. The American deputies supported the motion, and discussion followed. There was some excitement, and harsh words were used on both sides, the European deputies speaking of the inaptitude of the Indians, and of the ingratitude of the Spanish Americans in not being satisfied with the liberal concessions hitherto made by the córtes. The question was finally voted upon on the 7th of February; and as Perez de Castro had divided his motion into two parts, the first was approved and the second rejected.^[1] The European deputies, to show their friendly feeling toward their American colleagues, as well as their appreciation of Perez' efforts on behalf of the mother country, had on the 24th of January chosen him president of the chamber, he being the first American that had been so honored. He was also placed on the committee to frame the constitution. The Americans, however, with or with out just grounds, began to suspect that Perez, who was a canon of Puebla, was working for a bishop's mitre.^[2] The third, fourth, and fifth propositions, all of which concerned trade, gave rise to warm debates. They contained demands of a very alarming nature at that period. Their further consideration was put off till such time as the córtes could obtain the opinion of several corporations in New Spain.^[3] The resolution of the sixth proposition, calling for the abolition of

1. The approval of the first was by 123 ayes against 4 nays; the rejection of the second by 69 nays to 61 ayes. The latter had for its object that the equality should have effect in the then sitting córtes. Córtes Diario, 1811, iii. 290; Alaman, Hist. Méj., iii. 17-24.
2. The córtes had transferred themselves on the 24th of Feb. to Cádiz.
3. In a chapter on the commerce of Mexico, I give the final results.