Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/67

Rh directed against the authors of certain pasquinades of a seditious character.

During this session the rumored intention of the viceroy to resign was brought forward. The regidor Antonio Mendez Prieto arose; and having stated that such a report had reached the ayuntamiento, requested Iturrigaray, if he had such intention, to reconsider the matter and remain at the head of affairs, since grievous evils would be certain to follow at such a critical time, if the country were left with out a chief so capable of defending it. The viceroy said he wished to resign; he was getting old and difficulties were thickening—all the same he had no intention of laying aside sweet authority. Then Verdad spoke in support of the representations of Prieto, and after a few words from Rivero and Uluapa, a profound silence reigned while they were waiting to hear from the opposition. Not a word came from them, however, and Iturrigaray finally ordered the business of the junta to proceed. The debate continued, but with no other result than to increase feeling between the two factions.

Had the viceroy at this crisis exhibited a prudent restraint the storm might have passed; but he persisted in a congreso consultivo, and had indeed already on the 1st of the month issued circulars to the ayuntamientos of the principal cities, instructing them to send deputies to the capital. His assumption of prerogatives, moreover, his failure to seek the approval of the acuerdo, and his order for troops to move from Jalapa and Nueva Galicia to the capital, confirmed