Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/287

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 His power and popularity as President of the Republic.—His characteristics and conduct.—His capabilities as a general.—Insurrections against his government.—Anecdote of his perfidy.—His fall and banishment.—An Indian beggar's adventure.—Indian superstition.—Visit of the President to the Academy of Fine Arts.—A lucky accident.

qualities which aided Santa Anna in attaining the dignity of President of the Mexican Republic, and not only maintaining but increasing his power (being elected in 1833, he originated a new political organisation in 1843), and preserving popularity during a turbulent period of thirteen years, afford a subject for interesting speculation.

As the Mexicans, notwithstanding their irritability and braggadocio, have never made good soldiers, the military abilities of Santa