Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/788

772 play his part: a short proclamation was issued by him, representing that it rested with the nation to confirm or disallow the step taken by the army and the people of the capital, whom he exhorted at the same time not to give way to the excitement of passion, but peaceably await the decision of the nation's representatives. Moreover, the generals and principal officers addressed a communication to the congress, informing it of the event, and begging it to deliberate on the momentous question.

On the following morning at seven o'clock congress assembled in extraordinary session. A number of the members were absent, among whom were Fagoaga, Odoardo,Tagle, Cárlos Bustamante, and many others. At first the assembly attempted to discuss the matter with closed doors; but this was impossible. The uproar of the crowds outside was deafening and menacing, and in the emergency the congress invited Iturbide to attend the session, in the hope that through his influence the tumult would be allayed, and freedom of deliberation in some degree secured. At first he properly enough demurred at being present at a discussion of which he was himself the subject; but finally yielding to the advice of the ministers, he proceeded to the house, his carriage being drawn by the excited populace. The people immediately crowded into the galleries and hall with clamorous acclamations of "Viva Agustin I.!" The proceedings which followed were incessantly and violently interrupted by the impatient multitude. All opposition to an immediate decision met with obstreperous shouts of disapprobation. In vain the boldest proposed to await the verdict of the provinces; their voices were drowned in the furious uproar raised, and they sat down with the threatening cry of "Coronation or death!" ringing in