CHAPTER XXIV.
CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES.
1814.
Changed Aspect of the Revolution — Depression on Both Sides — Proposed Restriction of Passports and Export of Treasure — Causes of the Exodus of the Spaniards — Fresh Taxes — Restoration of Fernando VII. — Constitution of 1812 is Annulled and Autocracy Reëstablished — Feeling in New Spain — Insurgent Constitution — Its Provisions and Analysis — How it was Received — Election of Officers under the New Constitution — Liceaga President — Commemorative Medal — Constitution Ordered Read by the Curas — Relations with the United States.
The revolution had by this time assumed an aspect widely different from its condition when Calleja took command. His plans had been not only well laid, but in the main well carried out. Rayon was humbled; the Villagranes were no more; and the power of Morelos had faded to a flitting shadow. Rich Oajaca and rock-bound Tecpan were at his feet; the north enjoyed repose, and in the central provinces little more appeared to be required than a watch on the isolated bands in their mountain retreats.[1] Much more remained to be done, however. The power of the insurgents as a whole was broken, but small bodies hovered about in nearly undiminished number, independent in action and casting off more and more the
- ↑ Calleja does not fail to extol himself in a review of affairs issued on June 22d, wherein he naturally exaggerates the results achieved. Disclosing as it does also the plans followed, it has been widely quoted. The text may be consulted in Hernandez y Dávalos, Col. Doc., v. 554-02; Bustamante, Campañas de Calleja, sup. 1-18; Ward's Mex., i. app. 509-25. See also Mex., Virey, 2-14, 18.
