man, while the war department had, fortunately for the impulsive Tornel, passed shortly before to General Reyes.[1]
Santa Anna began to find the situation somewhat uncomfortable, and to long again for the freer atmosphere of his estates. The death of his wife[2] gave him the necessary excuse. Such it evidently appeared to him, for five weeks later he outraged public sentiment by the ceremonious espousal of a young lady.[3] Not that people were surprised. His character was too well known, with his undignified indulgence in dissipations of all kinds, from Lotharian intrigues and free association with low and doubtful persons in the common cock-pit, to the most imposing and extravagant entertainments, with glittering guards of honor sustained by means drawn from sources not only suspected but known to be dishonest, from the funds extorted by forced contributions and loans, from infringement of industrial protection, from gifts of favor-seekers, from bribes and fraudulent contracts. It may readily be supposed that the subordinate officials did not fail to profit by the example, and the result was the most wide-spread corruption in all
- ↑ Lately commanding in the north-east. He was appointed on June 10th. Tornel's separation was forced upon him by Santa Anna, who had become jealous of his assumption, it is said. Constitucional, Feb. 2, 9, 1844. Bocanegra had held office since Nov. 1841, with a brief interval, during which Monasterio figured. Rejon was an able and energetic Yucatec, with strong Indian traits. The interior department was managed by Baranda, who succeeded Velez in July 1843, and had a warm defender in Defensa Integ. Nac., Sept. 14, 1844. Trigueros continued, since Nov. 1841, as finance minister, save during the beginning of 1843, when Gorostiza relieved him.
- ↑ Inés García de Santa Anna, on Aug. 23d, at Puebla, after a marriage of 19 years. She was buried on the 26th with the pomp of a sovereign, the archbishop officiating at Mexico, and in other cities and towns officials and citizens joined in demonstrating their respect. Rivera, Hist. Jalapa, iii. 6301. Among the stinging insinuations concerning the real motives for Santa Anna's retirement was one in pamphlet form, Ya el Presidente se Va pura Volver Coronado, a title which indicates its purport.
- ↑ María Dolores Tosta, a girl of 15 years, married in the palace at Mexico on Oct. 3d, by proxy, in the person of Licenciate Cañedo, who is said also to have acted as godfather at her baptism. Canalizo figured as one of the padrinos at the marriage. An illumination of the public edifices and other demonstrations followed, during which the bride appeared to receive an ovation. Cañedo thereupon conducted her to Jalapa, to Santa Anna. Account of ceremonies in Diario Gob., Pabel. Nac., etc., Oct. 5, 1844, and following dates.
