Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/46

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26
REPUBLICAN ORGANIZATION.

civil jurisdiction over the district. José María Mendívil became the first appointee. The state of Mexico strongly remonstrated against the spoliation, declaring it a manifest violation of her rights so solemnly guaranteed by the constitution lately adopted. But it availed naught; the congressional decree was carried out, and the city of Mexico, under the law making it the federal district, was deprived of all participation in framing the laws of the country, and in the choice of the president, and became subject to such taxation and authorities as the general government chose to impose upon it, as well as to other inconveniences.[1] The altercation, however, was continued, the state's claims being supported by several congresses and ayuntamientos, as well as by prominent statesmen and writers; nor was it till the end of January 1827 that the state congress and authorities moved to Tezcuco. During that interval the congress held its sessions in the old building of the inquisition; and when the transfer was made the authorities took with them about $500,000 that Governor Muzquiz had saved.[2] Even as late as 1829 the state congress renewed the claim for the restoration of the city of Mexico,[3] but all such efforts have been unavailing, and the city has ever since remained as the national capital.

  1. The state congress and governor were, however, permitted to reside in Mexico till such time as they could prepare a capital to remove to with their rccords, etc. Mex. Col. Leyes, Ord. y Dec., iii. 122; Dispos. Var., iii. 128-9; S. Miguel, Seg. Guía, 189–91; Mex. Represent. Ayunt., 1-12; Mex. Mem. Rel., 30-1.
  2. They were soon consumed for necessary expenses. Bustamante, Voz de la Patria, ii. no. 5, 5-6.
  3. Mex., Iniciativa que la Leg. del Est. eleva al Cong. de la Union. 1-16.