tutional ideas. This suspicion was increased when his ministers asked congress several times, and particularly on the 25th of January, 1868, to grant him larger powers, which was done on the 8th of May, when several personal rights were suspended, and the mode of trying conspirators was determined. Measures were taken for internal improvement, and for the promotion of trade, agriculture, and general business.[1]
One trouble was the friends of Gonzalez Ortega, now known as Orteguistas, who wished to have undone all that had been done, going back to the time when, as they claimed, Ortega should have been recognized as president, he having issued a manifesto in support of his claim. Ortega arrived in Zacatecas on the 8th of January, 1867, accompanied by General Patoni, and announced himself to Governor Anza, who sent Secretary of State Marquez to inquire the object of his visit. He said that he had come as president of the republic, and wished to hold a conference with the governor. This being granted, Ortega urged his right to the presidency; but in place of acknowledging this, Anza arrested Ortega and Patoni and sent them to Juarez,[2] who kept them in durance until his position was assured, when the government ordered their release.[3]
Early in 1868 insecurity throughout the country assumed alarming proportions.[4] In most of the states robbery, kidnapping, and murder were of daily occurrence.[5] But by the end of 1868 quiet was somewhat
- ↑ Agriculture was declining from heavy taxes; stagnation in trade prevailed; money was scarce; and the public roads were in bad condition.
- ↑ Anza's course was approved. Méx., Col. Leyes, 1863-7; iii. 148-52; Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., X. 4-5.
- ↑ They were not tried. The order was issued July 18, 1868. Diario Ofic., July 21, 1868; Tovar, Hist. Parl., i. 93, 100, 106-7, 120.
- ↑ In Jalpan Marquez and Santa Anna were proclaimed in May. The latter carried on his intrigues from Habana, and had agents in Mexico. The clergy threatened with excommunication all who claimed damages for losses during the foreign intervention. Id., ii. 85; El Constitucional, Jan. 25, Apr. 23, May 24, 1868.
- ↑ The assassination, Aug. 18, 1868, of Gen. Patoni, said to have been by officers of the 1st brigade of the 4th division — Corona's command — was a scandalous one. The supposed chief instigator, Gen. Benigno Canto, was
