Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/79

Rh to the independence of Mexico, whatever he thought of it, I am sure he did not look much beyond present issues. Independence as a principle was with him a small matter; independence as a means of profit depended greatly upon relations between France and Spain. Hence his anxiety to provide against the contingency of being thrown over by a new power on the convocation of a national congress; for he doubtless believed that Spain would be unable to cope successfully with the arms of Napoleon. Under such circumstances, if New Spain declared herself independent, there would be no special disloyalty on his part to the mother country.

But Iturrigaray had not the sagacity to recognize that the Creole faction which he favored was laying deeper plans, and would not be satisfied with only temporary freedom. He was not aware that beneath his feet was a political vortex, a fact which the Spanish element appreciated more clearly. His want of tact, moreover, and his intemperate language, had given great offence, and he was cordially hated by the oidores and their party. During the latter days of his administration every expression of his countenance was watched by his opponents; every syllable that fell from his lips was caught up, and, if possible, interpreted as significant of his want of loyalty to Spain. That the European party were fully persuaded that he was aiming at the independence of Mexico, there is no doubt, giving as proof his dismantling the seaward battery of Ulúa, and conveying its guns into the interior, the changes made by