Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/264

 powers which I have received to the nation that conferred them on me, and to leave the other questions—as to the source and election of a new government—to the free choice of the nation.

This was the emperor's reply to the American mission, which he knew was now off Tampico; in it he relies for the future on the collective note of November 7. At the same time he counteracts the manœuvres of the cabinet of the Tuileries, which he knew were being carried on, both at Washington and in the liberal camp. After the publication of this fresh coup d'état, there was no further hope, for the present, of the abdication of the prince. This despatch was soon followed by a more official and explicit document. On December 1 appeared the imperial manifesto, dated from Orizaba, which announced to the country the assembling of a national congress.

Manifesto of the Emperor. Mexicans,—Important circumstances affecting the welfare of our country, which vanish in the presence of our domestic misfortunes, have called forth the conviction in my mind, that I ought to give back to you the power which you formerly conferred upon me.

The ministerial and state councils which I have assembled are of opinion that the welfare of Mexico requires that I should remain in power. I have thought it my duty to yield to their urgency, and to announce to you at the same time, that it is my intention to summon a national congress, constituted on the largest and most liberal basis, and that in this congress all parties will participate. This congress will decide if the empire is to continue for the future, and, in the affirmative case, will concur in the formation of laws essential to the consolidation of the vital interests of the country. With this aim, my counsellors are at the present time devoting themselves to preparing all the necessary measures, and are also taking