Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/221

Rh the poder conservador to announce the people's will on the subject. The crowd thereupon sallied into the streets, shouting, "Viva la federacion"! Others took up the cry and proceeded to ring the bells, and to release the lately imprisoned federalist conspirators, notably Farias and Father Alpuche, who were conducted in triumph to their residences. Fortunately for peace, the garrison did not join in the outbreak, and the patrols were soon able to restore order, Alpuche returning of his own accord to prison. The movement lacked strength. Bustamante accordingly declined to enter into the views of his cabinet, such as convoking an assembly and taking possession of church property, and accepted the resignation of the members on the 18th. So ended the ministry of three days.

It was not easy under the circumstances to prevail upon eligible men to form a new cabinet; finally Gorostiza, famed as dramatic writer, Cortina, Lebrija, and Torriel accepted the portfolios for foreign affairs, finances, interior, and war, respectively. This was on the whole a very desirable combination; but Bustamante personally did not gain by it, for Tornel joined in the pressure to intrust the direction of affairs during the crisis to the firm and popular Santa Anna. Bustamante indeed began to think it well to yield, especially as he would thereby relieve himself of a serious responsibility. He accordingly pretended that the spreading revolt centred at Tampico required his personal attention, and the poder conservador selected