their ears. Three several times Iturbide addressed the turbulent audience, but his words failed to allay the tempest he had so dexterously aroused. Thus under coercion and menace the deputies cast their votes. Only eighty-two members voted, sixty-seven of whom pronounced Iturbide emperor, against fifteen noes. The decision was not a valid one, since the law required that 102 should be present to constitute a legitimate session;[1] but it satisfied the frenzied crowd. As soon as the result was known the president resigned his seat to the elected emperor.
Thus Iturbide triumphed at last. But it was a triumph without dignity or the lustre of greatness. It was a triumph won by trickery, through the medium of rough soldiery and the hoarse cries of a rabble. Yet it cannot be said that his elevation was unacceptable to the nation. The dilatory proceedings, first of the provisional junta and then of the congress, had exhausted the patience of the people. Nine months had been frittered away in adjusting imposing ceremonies, in trifling discussions, and in wrangling, while the vital affairs of the empire the formation of a constitution and the organization of the different branches of government with their powers clearly defined were neglected. Discontent and indignation were the consequences, and the nation was ready for a change. Nor was it unnatural that the people should look for aid to him who had been their liberator.
- ↑ There is much discrepancy on this point and as to the actual number of members present. The Spanish constitution required that half and one more of the total number of representatives should be present. As the number of Mexican representatives was 102 and that of the Central American ones 40, the requisite number would properly be 102. Iturbide, however, attempts to show that only 20 of the latter had legitimate seats, and states that 94 members were present, thus constituting a legal session. He moreover asserts that 92 votes were cast, making the number of ayes 77 instead of 67. Carrera, Mil. y Pol., 30, 35. Bustamante also considered that 92 was the number necessary, and correctly gives 82 as that of the voters—Cuad. Hist., vi. 95—as is proved by the book of congressional acts. Mex. Col. Ley. Fund., 34. The author of Még. Bosquejo Rev., 233-4, is also so far correct, but is altogether at sea on the other point. There is no doubt that more than 90 members were present, but at least ten avoided voting. It remains to add that in the account given in the Gac. Imp. Mex., ii., 31G, it is asserted that Iturbide was proclaimed 'por unanimidad de votos.'
