Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/283

Rh cathedral. A funeral sermon terminated the observances.

But previous to the performance of the latter ceremonies, others of a different character were celebrated on the 4th and 5th of April on account of the accession of Felipe V. to the throne of Spain. Appointed sovereign by the will of Cárlos II., his reign was a turbulent one for many years; since the transfer of the regal power from the house of Austria to that of the Bourbons involved both Spain and France in a war with the combined nations of Europe; nor can Felipe be considered to have been securely seated on the throne until the treaty of Utrecht in January 1712. During the first years of the struggle the power of Spain was weakened by civil factions, and much opposition was shown to the change of dynasty; yet Mexico at once espoused the cause of Felipe's party. Thus it was that on the first named day the church bells were pealed, the royal standard unfurled, and the viceroy, audiencia, and all authorities and officials took the oath of allegiance on a beautifully ornamented platform erected in front of the palace. This being done, numbers of caged rabbits, pigeons, and other birds were set free, while a royal salute was fired by the musketeers. On the following day thanksgivings were offered in the cathedral, the mass of the most holy trinity chanted, and a procession formed. In the afternoon a parade of infantry was held before the palace, and during the night pyrotechnic displays enlivened the scene.

Although the viceroy took the customary oath of allegiance to Felipe an opinion seems to have prevailed that before the death of Cárlos he was opposed