During this last session of the 6th congress, whose constitutional term was drawing to a close, much time was devoted to discussions of the financial question. Over twenty-two millions were asked for by the government; but the congressional commission, in its report presented April 2d, stated that the estimated income, which would not be less than eighteen millions, would be sufficient to meet all necessary expenses; and called attention to the frequent waste of the public funds, and the excessive peculation that had been practised in previous years.[1] The debates on the matter were long and serious; and as there was little prospect of a speedy termination of them, on the motion of the deputies Baz and Islas, the discussion of the report was suspended, and a law was passed to the effect that the estimates which had ruled during the fiscal year about to close should be taken as those for the following one. Another important matter to which the congress gave its attention was the development of railroad systems and the establishment of telegraph lines, and several concessions were granted.
Assassinations and the abduction of prominent citizens prevailed to such an extent that the executive brought the matter before congress; and on the 2d of May martial law was proclaimed against highwaymen and abductors.[2]
During the early part of this year jesuits began to reassemble in violation of the laws of reform, and
- ↑ The commissioners were Gomez del Palacio, Zamacona, Gochicoa, Stávoli, and Perez Castro. They stated in their report that more than $1,500,000 was unaccounted for of the receipts in the treasury during the fiscal year 1871-2.
- ↑ The punishment of death was pronounced against any such malefactor caught in delicto flagrante, without further proceedings than the drawing up of a statement by the officer of the capturing force, proving the capture and the identification of the individual. Those not caught in the act were to be tried by the authorities whose agents effected the capture, whether civil or military. The trial was not to extend beyond 15 days, and the accused, if proved guilty, was to be condemned to death, without power of appeal, and executed. Diario Debates, 6º Cong., iv. 312.
fore congress the government would carry the question. Riva Palacio fully discusses the matter. Hist. Admin. Lerdo, 112-120, 129-34. The opening addresses will be found in Id., 143-51.
