Page:Life in Mexico vol 2.djvu/250

230 in their white robes, had mounted up on the belfry of their church, and were looking out anxiously. The palace roof next our own, had soldiers on it. Everything at that moment was still and tranquil; but the conduct of the people is our constant source of surprise. Left entirely uncurbed, no one to direct them, thousands out of employment, many without bread, they meddle with nothing, do not complain, and scarcely seem to feel any interest in the result. How easily might such a people be directed for their good! It is said that all their apathetic sympathies are in favor of Bustamante. . ..

Some say that Santa Anna will arrive to-day; some, that the whole affair will be settled by treaty; but neither reports nor bulletins can be depended on, as scarcely any one speaks according to his true feelings or belief, but according to his political party. . ..

It appears that the conduct of Congress in this emergency, has given little satisfaction. They affect to give a declaration of the national will, and are ambiguous as the Delphic Oracle; and it is said that their half-measures, and determination not to see that public opinion is against them, and that a thorough change can alone undermine this military revolution, will contribute more than anything to its eventual triumph. . . ..

The President has made use of the extraordinary powers which have been granted him by the Poder Conservador (conservative power, a singular and intermediate authority introduced into the Mexican constitution,) to abolish the ten per cent, on consumption, and to modify the personal contribution,