Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/757

Rh was ordered to be observed within one month from that date in all cities and towns where the oath had not yet been taken.

Thus far Iturbide's plans were crowned with success, and the separation from Spain was accomplished. Under the new order of affairs but few Europeans continued in public office, even such as the government was anxious to retain declining to serve under the changed regime. Notable among those who left the country was Bataller, the regent of the audiencia, to whom Iturbide in vain expressed his earnest desire that he would remain. Despite, moreover, the encouragement given to Spaniards to reside in New Spain by the 15th article of the treaty of Córdoba, they began to emigrate in great numbers, influenced, perhaps, more by dread of private vengeance than disgust at the independence. Their fears, indeed, had been acutely aroused by the murder of Manuel de la Concha on October 5th, while endeavoring to make his way out of the country. Concha had made himself an object of fierce hatred by his ruthless execution of prisoners, and his death was determined upon. When the army of Las Tres Garantías entered the capital he hastily departed for Vera Cruz. At Jalapa Santa Anna warned him that he had received information that his life was in danger, and supplied him with a small escort. Concha, however, believed that he could escape by disguising himself, and at dawn on the 5th left Jalapa in the dress of the common people. His precaution was useless. He was killed at a short distance outside the town. The