Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/288

260 Anna were conspicuous, and appear to have first drawn public attention to himself. Great decision of character, courage and energy in action, together with unfailing perseverance, and an unscrupulousness amounting to total want of principle, which admitted of no obstacles, seem to have been his chief characteristics. In the difficulties and dilemmas in which he was continually placed while in power, he hesitated not to employ the basest treachery and artifice, as well as the utmost intimidation and cruelty, to gain his ends and preserve his ascendancy. No dependence could be placed upon his promises, no faith could be put in his treaties; arguments were unavailing to deter him from his purposes, and no mercy could be expected by his vanquished enemies. Yet the duration of his popularity proves him to have been a man eminently adapted to the country and the period; nor is it likely that a governor of milder temperament would have been able to restrain the violence of factions and insurrections with a tithe of his success.

Santa Anna's capabilities as a general were often severely tested, and the result inspired his partisans and the nation at large with the