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136 to Mexico and resumed the presidency, Gomez Farías' plans being thus interrupted for the time.

Santa Anna had now changed his political opinions, showing a marked disposition to favor a reaction, and being looked upon as its future leader. However, on the 16th of December, on the pretext of ill health, he again turned over the executive authority to the vice-president, who, finding the prospect of affairs gloomy, submitted early in 1834 to the force of circumstances, and called Francisco M. Lombardo to take charge of the portfolio of relations, which appointment in itself implied a great modification in the general policy.

A division of the progressionists on points relating to the public instruction and to the management of Indian funds drew a number of them unwittingly into the ranks of the supporters of ʼreligion y fueros.' The animosity of parties was becoming more virulent, and discussion was turned into personal abuse. No party seemed to have in mind the welfare of the people.

Amid the confusion a hare-brained plan was proclaimed at Ecatzingo, proposing to crown a descendant of Montezuma under the old colonial laws; to expel foreigners; and to promote a war of races, inviting the Indians to take up arms and demand equality of rights. The plan, dated Chicontla, February 2, 1834, caused considerable alarm to the government, who suspected it to be the work of the clergy. It failed, but left evil consequences.