Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/615

Rh exemption from the humiliating tribute. The people were further lulled for a moment by a decree to renew municipal authorities in larger towns as indicated by the late constitution; but just as elections began, with the usual overwhelming defeat of Spaniards, a new decree ordered the instalment of the old perpetual ayuntamientos.

Then came a larger dose of radical measures, encouraged by the calmer beat of the public pulse. The audiencias of Mexico and Guadalajara were reinstated in all their former privileges, and incited by long abstinence from their fat commissions the oidores did not wait for formal orders to pounce upon the spoils. So also with the long-deposed special tribunals, corregidores, and sub-delegates, together with the gallows and whipping-post. Further, the dread inquisition was restored, and the inhabitants soon obtained a reminder thereof in a circular commanding them under penalty to appear and denounce themselves and others for utterances against religion and the holy office.

The effect of Fernando's reforms was evidently to increase the strength and bitterness of the party which had so far been appeased with the prospect of a liberal constitution, conferring local self-government and a voice in national affairs. The taste of these privileges had whetted the appetite, and the only means for satisfying it were now held forth by the insurgents. The latter naturally felt jubilant at the tone