paign, to the military success of Germany, and to pressure from liberal elements in France.[1]
Among the first measures of the Juarez administration was the reduction of the army to 16,000, which threw two-thirds of the revolutionary soldiers upon their own resources. This aroused much animosity and was one cause of the disorder which continued during the five years that Juarez remained in office. Ambitious officers headed revolts which restless and impoverished soldiers were ready to join. The defeated conservative elements added to the spirit of discontent.[2]
The administration was notable for mildness towards opponents, vigorous administrative reforms, and adherence to constitutional methods. Confiscation of estates of hostile families of the old aristocracy was soon commuted to fines. Few political adversaries were executed, and general amnesty was declared in 1870. Law breakers were allowed regular trials in civil courts. "Every department of state was rendered less costly and more efficient."[3] Financial difficulties were great. Most of the national income was derived from duties which were now all mortgaged to foreign creditors. The administration was held responsible for acts of the defeated reactionaries. The European governments refused for sometime to recognize Juarez and put in exaggerated claims of which Juarez recognized about $79,000,000 as the national debt.[4]
Juarez died in office, 1872, and was succeeded by Lerdo de Tejada, as justice of the Supreme Court,
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