Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/683

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COMONFORT'S PROGRESS.
663

masters of the situation, the people resolved to estop them, and thus prevent a reaction. The liberal press demanded the exclusion of all conservatives from participation in public affairs. It nust be acknowledged, however, that Carrera's government came to be looked upon favorably in several important departments.[1] But for a liberal movement that took place in San Luis Potosí, and several pronunciamientos elsewhere, Álvarez and Comonfort would have had before them a long and more difficult task to plant their victorious banner in the city of Mexico.[2] Carrera, finding himself ignored by the leaders of the original revolution, set aside all points of etiquette, and without acting through the medium of a minister, invited all of them to hold a convention at the historic town of Dolores Hidalgo on the 16th of September, promising to send commissioners to meet them. His invitation was disregarded.[3]

Comonfort heard, on the 20th of August at Acatlan, on his march to Guadalajara, of the events at the capital, San Luis Potosí, and other places. He ordered the revolution to proceed on its course, and refused to recognize Carrera. On his arrival at Guadalajara, the 22d, he met with an enthusiastic reception.[4] On the 28th he issued a circular in which public attention was called to the fact that the general-in--

  1. Puebla, Vera Cruz, Querétaro, and Guanajuato. Some of its orders were obeyed in Yucatan. The former Santanista garrisons also tendered him their support.
  2. Nuevo Leon resumed her autonomy, intending to maintain that status till a congress should be summoned in accordance with the convocation of Dec. 10, 1841. Zacatecas on the 16th of Sept. seconded the plan of Ayutla; Gen. Parra opened fire on the people, but after a fight lasting the whole night the revolutionists were victorious, and the troops laid down their arms. Doblado in Guanajuato asked for concessions in favor of the conservatives. The events at the capital were accepted in many places; but the heads of the real revolution waited for orders from Álvarez, or other leaders of their party.
  3. It was accepted only by La Llave, though proceeding, as he said, from one devoid of authority.
  4. The revolutionary chiefs insisted on Carrera's resignation. Haro y Tamariz wanted his plan accepted, and that the chiefs of the revolution should hold a meeting excluding therefrom Carrera's commissioners. La Garza started from San Luis to hold a conference with Vidaurri. Doblado sent a commissioner to prevent the conference; and at the same time Álvarez marched upon the capital with southern troops.