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secession of Yucatan, imitated by Tabasco, the growing hostility of Texas which had actually as sumed the offensive against its late mistress, and the dire calamities attending the inroads of Indians in the north, were matters presented in stronger light now that the subsidence of the federalist movement gave the government a respite. Santa Anna had in deed received orders, as guardian of the lower gulf coast, to prepare an expedition against the revolted provinces and fortify Vera Cruz against Texan cruisers; but for this and the other equally pressing needs funds were required. Notwithstanding the cry of stagnation in trade and industries, the revenues had been increasing of late years, but also in greater pro portion the expenditures; so that every budget presented a large deficit, calling for extraordinary measures in the shape of loans and fresh taxes. Among the latter figured an increase of fifteen per cent on the

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