CHAPTER XXXI.
THE SOVEREIGN PROVISIONAL JUNTA.
1821-1822.
Installation of the Junta — Appointment of a Regency — Its Cabinet — O'Donojú's Death — Iturbide's Rewards — Army Promotions — Surrender of Perote, — Acapulco, and Vera Cruz — Murder of Colonel Concha — Flight of Europeans — The Press — Political Factions — Measures for Convoking Congress — Iturbide's Interference — Conspiracy — Its Failure — Condition of the Country — The Revenue — The Mining Industry — A Forced Loan and Arbitrary Measures — Reoganization of the Army — Union of Central America with the Empire — Measures for its Representation — Reflections on the Administration of the Junta.
AT half-past eight on the following morning the nominees selected by Iturbide for the formation of the junta provisional gubernativa, which was to be invested with the legislative power, assembled in the principal hall of the palace, O'Donojú being present. Iturbide briefly laid before them an outline of the principal matters to which they would have to give their attention, expressed his own obedience to their direction, and offered his services and those of the army for the maintenance of their authority. He then pronounced the junta formally installed, and the members thereupon proceeded to the cathedral, where the form of oath which had been agreed upon was administered, each individual swearing faithfully to observe the plan of Iguala and the treaty of Córdoba, and honorably discharge the duties he had been called upon to perform. The junta then withdrew to the chapter-hall and proceeded to appoint a president,
