Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/575

Rh Puebla and the Mizteca, which was accordingly decreed.

The discord in the suprema junta that had so materially assisted Calleja in his plans was of some service also to Morelos, who, flushed with military successes, began to entertain a very natural desire for political supremacy, as at the time such a chief was greatly needed, and no one at hand fit to fill such a position. During the disagreement, when one member sought to disqualify the other, each appealed for support to the only neutral one of the four, Morelos, who had hitherto been practically ignored. Their military reverses assisted to reduce them almost to supplicants. Morelos saw his opportunity, and resolved to direct the current of affairs into his own hands. To this end he proposed that the council should meet within the territory controlled by him, where it might unmolested and conveniently for all discuss and settle every question. Rayon very naturally objected to a concession that practically transferred the controlling influence to another, whereupon Morelos took a far more decisive step. Assured of coöperation from the weaker and less ambitious associates, he proceeded to convoke the long-mooted congress which should reconstruct the whole government. The election of deputies could be regularly performed throughout nearly all the southern region, which was devoted to him. For most other parts of the country substitutes had to be appointed, of course mainly by Morelos, so that the assembly would be controlled by him. He moreover appointed as meeting place,