278
MISRULE AND OVERTHROW OF SANTA ANNA.
merit, and against the presumption, as he termed it, of bringing to trial the constitutional president of the country, guiltless as he was at least of treason.[1] Nevertheless, he considered it best to present a de fence of his late attitude. As virtual president, it was his duty to take steps to suppress the revolution of Jalisco, which threatened the peace of the country and stood arrayed against the constitution itself. If in so doing he had among other acts proceeded arbitrarily
Fortress of Perote.
against the authorities at Queretaro, it was because they stood as the avowed accomplices of rebels.[2] The grand jury of congress nevertheless
- ↑ 'Contra la independencia, ni contra la forma de gobierno.' Reply to interrogations, in Santa-Anna, Causa, 73, etc.
- ↑ He had approved the suspension of congress, but this approval was merely an opinion expressed of an act already accomplished. He called attention to his many efforts for improving different departments of ad ministration and fostering public institutions, and to his services for the republican cause, which he was the first to proclaim by rising against Iturbide. He also seeks to influence his judges by explaining that his wealth is but the natural result of long and prudent management, assisted by the high pay from his offices. The argument is swelled by repetitions and pointless
