appointed day. The public could not see the use of an extra session when the executive was clothed with extraordinary powers; and indeed, no beneficial measure was adopted; on the contrary, a considerable number of the members did their utmost to develop ill feeling and create greater alarm.[1] In view of the hostile attitude of Europe,[2] Juarez gave orders to strengthen Vera Cruz and Tampico.
Almonte encouraged his fellow-reactionists that inside of two months he would be in the waters of Mexico with the European naval forces. Next came the news that on the 31st of October had been signed in London a convention, by Great Britain, France, and Spain, for a joint intervention in Mexican affairs. Toward the end of November, diplomatic relations with France and England had ceased, after congress had revoked the suspension law of July 17th[3]. The three allied powers had at first agreed upon the occupation by their forces of Vera Cruz, for the purpose of securing reparation of injuries and damages sustained by their subjects at the hands of Mexican authorities, and the fulfilment of prior obligations contracted by Mexico with those powers — nothing more.[4] The United States, having also claims against
- ↑ Fifty-one of the numbers in their capacity as citizens addressed Juarez, with a request that he should surrender the executive authority. Fifty-two others asked him to hold on to his position; and the rest of the deputies were of the opinion that both petitions were 'indebidas,' or out of place. The governors and legislatures, and the greater part of the press, censured the course of the 51. The states of Zacatecas and San Luis signified their intention to recognize no authority not emanating from the constitution; and if any such went into power, they would resume their sovereignty. Buenrostro, Hist. Prim. y Seg. Cong., nos 60-3, 464-71, 493-9, 506-8; nos 68-71, 714-16, 718, 723-4.
- ↑ Napoleon had, after some hesitancy, and in spite of the friends of foreign intervention in Mexico, received La Fuente as minister of the republic; but the latter wrote his government, on the 4th of September, a despatch received on the 8th of Oct., that he had attempted to give explanations on the decree of July 17th, suspending payments, to the minister of foreign affairs, who refused to listen to him, saying that Saligny's conduct had been approved, and in accord with England, 'se iban á enviar á las costas de Méjico buques de guerra, á exigir una satisfaccion.'
- ↑ The decree bore date of Nov. 26th, and provided for the payment of the foreign obligations. Archivo Mex., Col. Ley., vi. 636-7.
- ↑ Art. 3 declared that the forces were not to be used for any other pur-
month. Buenrostro, Hist. Seg. Cong. Constituc., i. 228-34; Archivo Mex., Col. Ley., vi. 534-9; Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., ix. 292-3.
