European Spaniards was manifest everywhere. The principles of the insurrection predominated. This popular movement was not certainly a concerted revolutionary plan; but there can be no doubt that it was prompted by some persons for ulterior purposes.[1]
The elements placed by the new constitution in the hands of the revolutionists rendered it almost impossible to expect a favorable result of the war for the royalist cause. Till lately the rebels had been able to use the press in a very limited degree only, but now the constitution placed every printing-press in the country at their disposal. Seditious writings were, it is true, subject to the action of the junta de censura, but this was after they had been circulated and had their effect. The public peace in the capital and other large cities had been preserved by great vigilance on the part of the royal authorities. It had been much imperilled during the recent municipal elections; but the greatest danger was not over. The election of deputies to the ordinary córtes in Spain was soon to take place, and the government reasonably feared that its enemies would profit by the late experience.[2] The city of Mexico heretofore had been divided into a number of districts and subdistricts. The former were in charge of the alcaldes de corte, corregidor, and alcaldes ordinarios, under whose supervision were the officials placed over the
- ↑ Francisco Galicia wrote President Rayon a narrative of the occurrences, saying that the people had given proof of their enthusiasm, uttering vivas to America, the supreme junta, and each one of its members, and crying, 'Mueran los gachupines,' not completing the work for the want of arms. He asked Rayon to approach the city with his forces, in which event he (Galicia) with his people would ask the viceroy for arms to defend the place; if given they would be used to aid Rayon, and if refused he would endeavor to take them forcibly, and then sally out to join Rayon, as he had 14,000 or more Indians in the capital that would follow him. Rayon was so much pleased that he suggested to Verdusco the expediency of fitting out a force to take advantage of so good an opportunity. Rayon's letter to Verdusco, from Tlalpujahua, Dec. 9, 1812, captured by the royalists with Verdusco's baggage in the attack of Puruándiro, of which an account will be given.
- ↑ An attempt was made to nullify the last elections, and to make an investigation into the popular disturbances; but the fiscales of the audiencia advised that no further steps should be taken in the matter, in order to avert all occasion for more popular meetings.
