Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/280

260 unfortunate inhabitants of the capital were again threatened with famine, the crops having failed from the usual causes. Provisions became scarce and dear, and on the 8th of March a famished multitude rushed into the square in front of the viceregal palace, and with fierce cries demanded bread. Decisive measures had to be adopted to prevent an outbreak. The viceroy caused cannon to be planted at the entrances to the principal streets, and with the assistance of influential persons succeeded in restoring quiet. Orders also were issued to the farmers to forward at once to the city all the grain on hand. A supply sufficient for two months was thus obtained, and by the beginning of May corn and wheat began to arrive from the tierra caliente, where the second crop of the year had been plentiful.

This serious trouble being ended, the viceroy, on the 25th of May, took possession of the new palace, which, as the reader is aware, had been for some time in course of construction. The occasion was celebrated with befitting ceremonies. The floors were sprinkled with holy water, and the archbishop in sacerdotal robes, with uplifted hands, implored a blessing upon the future residence of the viceroys of New Spain. The benediction availed little however, for in less than two short months the conde de Montezuma's daughter lay dead within the palace walls.

Intelligence having been received of the arrival in Spain of the fleet which had sailed from Vera Cruz in the previous year, the safety of which had caused much apprehension, a solemn thanksgiving was offered in the cathedral, at which service the viceroy and members of the different tribunals attended. The value of the prize which had thus escaped the French