Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/420

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400
ARTICLES OF THIS PLAN.

between the Spanish General O'Donoju and Don Agustin Yturbide, in August 1821, and consisted of seventeen articles.

By the first, Mexico was to be acknowledged as a free and independent nation, under the title of the Mexican Empire.

By the second, its government was to be a constitutional monarchy.

By the third, Ferdinand the Seventh, Catholic King of Spain, was called to the throne of Mexico; and should he renounce or refuse the throne, it was offered to his brother the Infant Don Carlos, and under the same circumstances, to each brother in succession.

By the fourth, the Emperor was to fix his court in Mexico, which was to be considered the capital of the Empire.

By the fifth two commissioners named by O'Donoju were to pass over to the Spanish Court, to place the copy of the treaty and of the accompanying exposition, in his Majesty's hands, to serve him as an antecedent, until the Cortes should offer him the crown with all formality; requesting him to inform the Infantes of the order in which they were named; interposing his influence in order that the Emperor of Mexico should be one of his august house, for the interest of both nations, and that the Mexicans might add this link to the chain of friendship which united them with the Spaniards.

By the sixth a Junta of the first men in Mexico; first by their virtues, position, fortune, &c., was to be named, sufficient in number to ensure success in their