Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/325

Rh the reëstablishment of the principles he had sustained throughout his life. But he encountered so much difficulty that he never could form a stable cabinet. The new government endeavored to procure means for carrying on the war, and meeting with great obstructions, threatened the wealthy classes with the seizure of their property if they would not voluntarily contribute to relieve the pressing needs of the nation. Congress authorized it to take fifteen million dollars from the clergy, which, as it may well be conceived, caused the greatest excitement and opposition. Several state governments protested against the measure, and ere long revolutionary movements broke out in various places. At the capital on the 15th of January occurred a serious one, proclaiming 'religion y fueros.' In Querétaro the effect of the publication of that law, which had been made the 17th of January, was still more dangerous. The government was kept in constant alarm by the hostile popular demonstrations, but persisted in the purpose of enforcing the law. Affairs continued in an unsettled state till the 26th of February, when demonstrations were made in Mexico to set aside Farías and the congress, and even Santa Anna, leaving the latter only with the command of the northern army. The scandal of a formal pronunciamiento took place in the morning of the 27th. Reënforcements were sent by