Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/314

294 constitution of the Siete Leyes, and setting up the strongest dictatorship that was ever inflicted on Mexico. The government did not, however, reward him as he had expected, he being merely retained as comandante general of Jalisco, where his despotism made him hateful. Paredes possessed no qualification but that of brute courage. It is said of him, however, that he refused to accept the presidential salary during the time he held the executive office, contenting himself with the pay of a general.

After promising in his inaugural address to devote his whole attention to the consolidation of order in the interior, and to the defence of the country's honor and rights in the impending trouble with the United States, President Paredes formed his cabinet with the following-named ministers: Luis Parres, of the treasury; Joaquin Castillo y Lanzas, of relations; Luciano Becerra, bishop of Chiapas, of justice and ecclesiastical affairs; and Juan N. Almonte, of war.

The new government endeavored to bring order out of the chaos existing in the treasury, and issued stringent measures to clear the country of highwaymen and gamblers. Other important decrees were also passed with the view of decreasing the number of public offices, and of bringing about an arrangement of business in the several departments. The press was allowed a certain freedom for the discussion of public affairs, with a warning not to abuse it. In the interval preceding the convocation of a constituent congress, the press and public warmly