Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/614

598 were made to formally celebrate the accession of the king, as soon as the rainy season had passed, with a prolonged series of solemn processions and masses by different public bodies, followed by bull fights, banquets, fireworks, illuminations, balls, and other performances, and this in every town and settlement throughout the country, in a manner that did much to cast a veil over the less acceptable features of the occasion. The army was flattered by Calleja in a special appeal, and reminded that the constitution, which he now termed illusive, would have deprived it of cherished privileges. Efforts were besides made to keep the soldiers in good humor by the enforcement of different measures for their comfort and weal. Nor was Calleja himself overlooked. He received the approval of the king, with promotion to the rank of lieutenant-general.

In order to soften the blow the king had issued a decree of May 24th, manifesting his interest in the people, promising to remedy grievances, and holding out the prospect of convoking new córtes wherein America should receive due representation. Although this remained a dead letter, the creoles were somewhat consoled to find five among them given places in the restored council of the Indies, and Indians received