Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/475

Rh, including that of reading the new fundamental code aloud to the people, among whom it produced a deep impression. The occasion was duly celebrated with commemorative medals, public amusements, illuminations, and largess to the lower classes. The oath of recognition of and allegiance to the new regime was administered, on the 4th and following days of October, to the people at large, the lower courts and officials, the religious orders of both sexes, and the troops, all manifesting a lively pleasure with the establishment of a system that was to do away with the old despotism; and indeed, hopes were awakened that the troubles of the country would be thereby terminated. Never had allegiance been sworn to the kings with so much solemnity or zeal. The army was not behind others in its manifestations of joy. The batallon primero Americano threw the gibbet to the ground; but the most surprising spectacle of all was that of the battalions, mostly made up of the very mulattoes that the constitution deprived of citizenship, taking the oath with as much joy and gratitude as the rest. Orders were issued to adapt everything to the forms and language of the new system. Thus the 'plaza mayor' had its name changed to 'plaza de la constitucion,' and a commemorative stone was placed therein. The custom-house, mint, revenue, etc., had the adjective 'nacional' attached to them in lieu of 'real,' as had been formerly the practice.

The amnesty decrees of the córtes were published, and the viceroy with the audiencia visited the prisons to release all persons therein detained that were entitled to the boon; but none held for insurrection were liberated. The constitution called for many changes in the administration of justice and revenue as well as of government. The civil and military authorities were not to be vested in the same person; the