Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/167

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
HONORS AT MEXICO.
147

Eagle, which was placed above the other, and given to a comparatively small number, to the great disgust of a large class.[1] A special order was instituted for women, the San Cárlos.[2] An amnesty for political offences appeared,[3] and authorities were bidden to blot out injurious party terms, and leave unmolested any opponent of the imperial cause who chose to lay down arms and live in peace.[4] Special appeals were besides made to leading republicans, resulting in the adherence of such men as Vidaurri, who became councillor of state, and General Cortina, who soon, however, ignored this allegiance, as did many another when opportunity or inducement drew them again to the Juarist side.[5] Among these figured prisoners who had been sent to France, and who were released on giving in their allegiance.[6]

Freedom of the press was bestowed,[7] and arrangements were made for granting public audiences, Sunday being selected as most convenient for the people.[8] To this direct appeal to the masses he added the habit of occasionally appearing in the national dress, notably the short jacket and the slashed trousers lined with buttons.[9] In connection with the audiences for

  1. For by-laws, see Méx., Col. Ley. Imp., ii. 9-14. In 1865 Almonte and Mejía alone held the grand cross in Mexico. Collars of the order were sent to different sovereigns.
  2. For rules and members, see Id., Almanaque Imp., 1866, 236, etc.; also journals of the day. The list for ladies of honor was added to at intervals.
  3. On July 6th, the birthday of Maximilian, when a distribution of $5,000 was also given to the poor. Měx., Boletin Ley., 1834, 42, 57-8.
  4. This was on July 26th. In Dec. prefects were forbidden to exact any security from such persons. Méx., Boletin Ley., 1861, 190, 243, 283-98. Comments on policy, in Masseras, Programa Imp., 1-34; S. Luis Pot., Mem. Informe, pt 1.
  5. In Periód. Ofic., Mar. 29, 1864, and later days, are given the names of those accepting amnesty.
  6. A large number refused to sign the allegiance, and remained true, suffering great hardships, for the Juarist government was too sorely pressed to afford them much aid. In Payno, Cuentas, 734, etc., is given an account of occasional sums remitted. Huerta, Apuntes, Mex., 1868, 1-92, is specially devoted to their fate. Huerta, himself the leading prisoner, sought to obtain subscriptions for their relief. Iglesias refers to a number of refugees in the United States. Revistas, iii. 107-9, 131.
  7. August 7th, with restrictions only against rousing party bitterness.
  8. The rules governing admission are given in Méx., Col. Ley. Imp., i. 19.
  9. Whereat Arrangoiz takes offence, intimating that this pertained to the Juarist guerrillas and peasants, and was discountenanced by 'respectable' people. Méj., iii. 222.