Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/275

Rh On December 11th a pronunciamiento was started at the obscure town of Huejotzingo against the congress, as unworthy of confidence, and demanding the installation of a council of notables to revise the constitution. This movement was duly seconded throughout the central provinces by the manipulations of the cabinet and the clergy, and on the 18th, at Mexico, by the garrison. The deputies, who had nearly concluded the discussion on the constitution, could obtain no assurances of protection from the government. Finding the hall of congress closed against them, they recognized the futility of resistance, and dissolved of their own accord on the 19th, announcing the act in a manifest wherein they avowed their loyalty to the people whom they represented and the purity of their motives in framing the proposed organic law. It was not long ere protests appeared against the arbitrary procedures of a faction that prevented the people from deciding in a matter belonging to them and of such vital interest. Of this no notice was taken, however, and as the semi-voluntary dissolution left Bravo at greater liberty, he joined the cabinet in proclaiming that as the public interest demanded the formation of the organic law, the government would appoint a council of patriotic and intelligent men to frame it, assisted by the ministry.