Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/164

144 occasions to speak in the previous volume. He was often intrusted with civil offices requiring ability and energy, both of which he displayed. Barragan was ever noted for his kindness of heart, probity, and elegance of manners. For the poor and helpless he always manifested in a practical manner his solicitude.

Shortly after Santa Anna's retirement pronunciamientos were made in several places regarding the form of government, and representations were constantly addressed to the administration and congress favoring a central system; in view of which the two houses of congress formed themselves into a general assembly, and on the 3d of October the change was formally established by decree. Under that act the central régime was virtually inaugurated, and a provisional statute therefor enacted on the 23d of October, the chief clauses of which are given synoptically in a note.

In order further to carry out the alleged wishes of the nation, on the 15th of December, congress passed a constitutional law setting forth the rights and obligations of the citizens and denizens of the