monte, the minister of war and virtual ruler, now conceived the idea of declaring in favor of the federal system as a means for preventing the objectionable dictatorship, and above all for circumventing the ambitious Santa Anna. It was believed that the departments would support it with an overwhelming vote, and the capital was known to be strongly in its favor. To this end the minister negotiated for a prolongation of the armistice, and issued commissions to several persons of influence to collect and arm the former militia of the city. Early on the morning of September 30th Bustamante and Canalizo, heading the cavalry and infantry respectively, proclaimed the federation in the great square before a vast crowd, whose jubilant shouts were reëchoed in salvos and pealing of bells;[1] but the act, as might have been expected, was not properly sustained by efficient movements; Valencia had besides won over many liberals, and the formidable army at Tacubaya had not been duly taken into account.
Indignant at the counter manœuvre, Santa Anna prepared to renew hostilities, and once again the city was exposed to all the horrors of the Urrea-Farías episode, with destruction of buildings and slaughter of innocent citizens, with robbery and outrages by outlaws, midst the lament of terrified and bereaved families. The fire was sustained not alone by the garrison under Valencia and Bustamante, which occupied different positions within the city, the latter with headquarters at the palace, but by the allied forces now investing the suburbs.[2] Charges, sorties, and skir-
- ↑ Account and text in Boletin Ofic., Oct. 2, 1841. The constitution of 1824 was declared restored, subject to revision, together with the congress, legislatures, and authorities of 1832, including the then provisional president, General Muzquiz. This was signed by the new governor, Ortiz de Zárate, among others. A junta patriotica of the following day added complementary clauses on election and reforms, and Canalizo confirmed them. Santa Anna now sought to win over the poder conservador by pointing out this overthrow of the constitution of 1836, but obtained no reply. Bustamante, Gabinete Mex., MS., iv. 87 et seq.; Id., Diario, xliii. 1-147; Rivero, Méx. en 1842, 86-94.
- ↑ And numbering about 8,000. At the opening of the struggle with Valencia, Bustamante had about 2,000 men, with a large proportion of cavalry,
