but he would not assume the charge. To complete the government's organization, congress, voting by deputations, chose General Jesus Gonzalez Ortega president of the supreme court, so as to be prepared for emergencies that might suddenly occur. This unconstitutional election was effected in disregard of the objections adduced by some deputies. When the reactionary bands were actively depredating in all directions, this congress, which only one month previously had set a price upon the heads of their principal chiefs, and while the blood-stains of Ocampo, Degollado, and Valle were still fresh, and the smoke of many burning towns had not entirely disappeared, began to discuss the expediency of a political amnesty, against which Deputy Altamirano delivered a powerful speech. The campaign against the reactionists engaged the whole attention of the government; other important affairs being allowed to rest until a signal victory should again crown Gonzalez Ortega's operations. Ministerial crises had become a chronic malady. After many proposed candidatures, Juarez formed another cabinet on the 13th of July.[1] It was a bad sign that a considerable portion of the congress voted against the choice of Zamacona and Balcárcel. The new ministry stated beforehand its policy, and its first act was to propose a law for the suspension during two years of payments, including those amounts assigned to meet the British debt and the foreign conventions. The law was almost unanimously passed by congress in secret session on the 17th of July, which was met with the protests of France and Spain.[2]
- ↑ Manuel M. Zamacona, minister of relations; Blas Balcárcel, of fomento; Joaquin Ruiz retained the portfolio of justice, and took charge also of the one of government; Zaragoza continued as secretary of war; and Higinio Muñez, an old treasury official, but new in the political field, became the head of the financial department. It will be well to observe that congress on the 12th of June had decreed there should be six ministers of state, thus reviving the portfolios of government and fomento. Archivo Mex., Col. Ley., vi. 250-1, 285, 293-310; Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., ix. 233; Le Trait d'Union, June 19, July 9-19, 1861, passim; Rivera, Hist. Jalapa, v. 443-4.
- ↑ July 24th Saligny protested for France and Spain against the law. Spanish government approved the protest. In a despatch of Sept. 11th to
