Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/61

Rh the Creoles to the latter. Yet, when it came to important ecclesiastical, political, or commercial bodies, whose pecuniary or other interests were paramount to those of birth and blood, this distinction did not hold good. Thus it was that at each step in marching events, new issues divided anew people and opinion; and so matters progressed until principles and positions could be more defined.

The feeling between the audiencia and the ayuntamiento increasing, Iturrigaray threatened to resign; but he was easily dissuaded by his friends. Peace was not restored, however, and finally the alcalde de corte, Villa Urrutia, suggested that, the infante Don Pedro be invited to assume the government as regent. This proposal did not, however, meet with approval, whereupon he proposed to call a representative junta of the kingdom, the supreme authority remaining with the viceroy when necessary. The audiencia rejected this proposition also. But Urrutia's scheme was submitted to the authorities of several places, and was not unfavorably received. Even the ayuntamiento of Vera Cruz, whose members and policy were almost wholly European, saw no objection to it; while the authorities of Jalapa and Querétaro expressed their willingness to send deputies at once to the proposed congress.

Meanwhile a vessel had arrived at Vera Cruz, with information that Spain had risen against Napoleon. The news reached the capital on the night of the 28th of July, and at daylight guns were fired, bells were rung, and all was joy. The enthusiasm was universal, for Napoleon was much hated, as I have said.