was looked upon as a mere locum tenens, and obeyed only when convenient, but chiefly from the all-absorbing party struggle throughout the country in connection with the presidential vote and its attendant hopes. All the states, with rare exception, were in the throes of revolution, resulting in gubernatorial and other changes in the leading sections, such as Mexico, Puebla, Oajaca, Michoacan, and even Guanajuato; while those around sympathized more or less, either by adopting the plan of Mexico or that of Jalisco. Conservatives and Santanists availed themselves of the excitement caused by the impending change to push their advantage, especially in weighty districts, well aware that the rest in their bewilderment, or from a natural inclination to stand on the winning side, would be apt to follow their example.[1] The cry for the maintenance of federalism was lost in the turmoil. Santa Anna's patriotism and services during the war of 1846-7, although unsuccessful, and his subsequent voluntary return into exile, caused many to look upon him with favor as a reformed man, and his late stand for federalism inclined toward him a large proportion of this wide-spread though momentarily subordinate element. In the soldiers again he had always a strong support, owing to his care for their pay and comfort; and as the army was now rapid!y swelling under control of Lombardini's appointees, its influence on the struggle may readily be understood. His partisans
- ↑ Remote states could especially be counted upon to follow the central ones, and movements in accordance did take place in most of them. Thus Zacatecas, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon acknowledged the plan of Mexico, the latter agitating at the same time for free-trade. Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and neighbors joined the victors in due time, Sonora and Lower California remaining comparatively quiet, as did Guerrero under the direction of Álvarez, who declared that he would yield to the majority. The gubernatorial changes in Mexico, Michoacan, Oajaca, Puebla, and Guanajuato were in favor of the new order, to which Querétaro and San Luis Potosí also adhered. Petty provinces like Colima and Tlascala bent for the sake of autonomy, and even Yucatan and Tabasco declared for the plan of Jalisco; while Vera Cruz, followed by Tampico, pronounced for Santa Anna, but with a federal system. Suarez y Navarro seeks to take great credit for his share as government commissioner in influencing the turn in Mexico, Puebla, and other districts. Santa-Anna Burlándose, 197 et seq. In Siglo XIX., Mar. 11-14, 1853, and other journals, may be found documents on negotiations with states.
