Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/774

758 lately proclaimed, to prescribe its government, and impose law upon the assembly appointed to frame its constitution. Shortly before the inauguration Iturbide, under the pretext of being able to attend to his duties with less interruption, withdrew to Chapultepec, which, as the reader will recollect, had been converted by Viceroy Galvez into a fortification. Thither and to Tacubaya he also withdrew a great portion of the troops with supplies of ammunition and funds, secretly prepared to use force if necessary.

At daybreak on the 21th of February, salvos of artillery announced to the inhabitants of the capital that the first Mexican congress was about to be installed. No effort had been spared by the junta to render the occasion as brilliant as possible, and captivate the people with an exhibition of unprecedented rejoicing. The streets were carpeted, and gay with garlands, flags, and colored drapery, and the procession, by which the members were conducted to the cathedral, was imposing and magnificent. Preceded by the regency, and junta, and accompanied by a splendid military escort, it marched to bands of music through long files of troops dressed in their brightest uniforms. To the ordinary spectator the sight was grand, and the unwonted display a befitting honor to the chosen ones of the nation. But the martial glitter was painful to the eyes and thoughts of many of the deputies, and they were not deceived as to its significance. Opposition was useless, however, and the objectionable oath was taken, the representatives trusting to time and opportunity to correct matters.