Page:Juarez and Cesar Cantú (1885).djvu/20

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liberal party and the dignity of the Republic, which would not be without a stain if it was a fact that a band of traitors had been acknowledged as the centre of the national unity. We feel sure that Mr. Melchor Ocampo will not allow this matter pass unnoticed, and that with his characteristic frankness he will bring to light all that ought to be known.

«Thus far the effect of the accusation has been contrary to the expectations of its author, whom we unexpectedly find among the zealous defenders of individual rights, for we remember that they did not merit too much respect from him when he was a member of the Cabinet of General Arista.

«Congress, instead of being alarmed, instead of suddenly distrusting the Executive, silenced the accusation by passing a vote of confidence and approving in general the suspension of guarantees, whereby the power and authority of the President of the Republic is strengthened.

«It would be painful on this occasion to draw a parallel, between the public life of the accused and that of the accuser. II we did, we could then see on whose side are to be found the greater firmness of principles, the greater political consistency, and the greater adhesion to democratic institutions. But so ungrateful a task is altogether useless, since the charge of treason preferred against Mr. Juarez can find no echo in public opinion, which beholds in this citizen one of the most illustrious and noble nationalists who have presided over the destinies of the country.

«Public opinion cannot hesitate between Mr. Juarez and the author of the celebrated decree of the 21st of September 1852, which suppressed the liberty of the press.—Francisco Zarco.»

Even in our own days, although it seems incredible, the attempt has been made to prove that Juarez sold to the Americans a part of the national territory, under the pretext of a contract for colonization.