Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/78

62 viceroy had really been the first promoter of independence, and had fallen a victim to the cause! And further, the claim was respected. The Mexican congress in 1824 stopped proceedings, and restored to Iturrigaray's heirs the $400,000 invested in the mining tribunal. Such was the result of one of the most important and memorable investigations made during the whole period of viceregal administration.

The trial of Iturrigaray, while exposing his grasping avarice and nefarious transactions, throws little light upon his political pretensions. It is only by a consideration of the discussions carried on by his supporters and opponents, by an impartial estimate of the effect of his administrative acts, and by a close study of his character that we may reasonably expect any light on his secret intentions or expectations. Not only did his enemies directly accuse him of treasonable designs, but even insinuated that he was not unwilling at one time to recognize Murat, Napoleon's representative in Madrid. But this is far fetched; and in regard