He published many important decrees for establishing economical reforms, and for other purposes, but few of which were carried out.[1] It is said that Salas had at his command, from the beginning of his transition rule, large pecuniary resources.[2]
No time had been lost in notifying Santa Anna, who was then in Habana much devoted to his favorite pastime of cock-fighting, of the changes that had occurred in Mexico, and of his presence in the republic being urgently needed. He accordingly sailed for Vera Cruz upon a British steamer, on the 12th of August,[3] accompanied by his friends Almonte and Basadre, together with Rejon, Haro, and Bóves. On approaching the port of destination, the steamer was visited from one of the blockading ships, whose commander allowed her freely to proceed, as Commodore David Conner, commanding the United States home squadron, had orders from his government not to obstruct Santa Anna's landing.[4] Much has been said about this apparently strange course on the part of the United States authorities in allowing free entry into Mexico, under the present circumstances, to the ablest and most influential political and military chieftain that republic then had; and comments very unfavorable to Santa Anna were accordingly made, the priv-
- ↑ Aug. 25th. Departmental assemblies to act as state legislatures. Méx., Col. Ley. y Dec., 1844-6, 416. Sept. 17th. Law to distribute the revenues between the general government and the states. Guan., Mem., 1832, 9. Sept. 28th. Government council established. Oct. 10th. Suppression of the excise tax; restored, however, in Nov. Farías, Opúsc., 9. Oct. 10th. Contingent of the states abolished, and compensated for. Disposic. Var., v. 50. Nov. 14th. Freedom of the press regulated. Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., v. 171-2, 189-95. Nov. 19th. Tax imposed on ecclesiastical property. Id., 211-17, 235-6; Rivera, Hist. Jalapa, iii. 809-12; Mér., Mem. Hacienda, 1870, 272; Bustamante, Mem. Hist. Mex., MS., v. 136-7, 149.
- ↑ He found in the treasury $700,000, out of the one million Paredes had got from the clergy for the Texas war. The money disappeared in about 15 days. Zamacois, Hist. Méj., xii. 504, 515.
- ↑ His departure was in the night, and he expected to run the blockade at Vera Cruz by favor of the night, in which he failed. Santa Anna, Apel. al buen criterio, 17.
- ↑ U. S. Navy Department, May 13, 1846, Commodore: If Santa Anna endeavors to enter the Mexican ports, you will allow him to pass freely. Resp'y yours, George Bancroft.' The commodore, announcing Santa Anna's arrival, added, 'I have allowed him to enter without molestation.'
