It may be that in the provinces the masses, represented by ayuntamientos and provincial governments presided over by military chiefs whose interests were centred in Iturbide, had little voice in the matter, and witnessed the change with indifference. But, since they were to have a king, it was well that he should be of their own country and blood. When, therefore, the news sped through Mexico, it was received with joy, and the provinces hastened to felicitate Iturbide and do homage to him as their emperor; while in many cities the effigies of the Spanish monarchs were pulled down.
The effect on the defeated political parties was different. Many of the monarchists who had lingered in the hope of still seeing the plan of Iguala carried out left the country[1] in disgust, and the republicans, though crushed for the time and void of plan, were none the less hostile to Iturbide, silently watching for an opportunity of dethroning him. Thus the Bourbonists disappeared from the political arena, and the contest was confined to the Iturbidists and republicans.
As for congress, it resigned itself to the situation, and at first showed a conciliatory disposition. Avoiding any allusion to the pressure which had been put upon it, it decreed that the formal proclamation of Iturbide's elevation should be published, and appointed the 21st as the day on which he should take the oath which it prescribed. Accordingly Agustin, 'emperor of Mexico by divine providence and appointment by the congress of the nation's representatives' swore to observe and cause to be observed the constitution which the said congress should form, and all
- ↑ The restriction on migration from Mexico had been removed by decree of March 22d. Gac. Imp. Max., ii. 121-2. Among those who left were Odoardo and the archbishop, Pedro Fonte. The prelate was wanting both in energy of character and courage. He secretly was opposed to the independence, and avoided taking any active part in public affairs. When Iturbide was proclaimed emperor he withdrew from the capital under pretence of visiting the dioceses, and directing his course toward the coast, embarked at Tuxpan for Habana. Alaman, Hist. Méj., v. 600.
