Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/40

20 emanating from a court several thousand miles away. and enforced by officials who had nothing in common with the country. No good could, in the estimation of these men, be expected from the sudden change, the fact that the change was absolutely needed being ignored. The subsequent troubles that constantly succeeded one another confirmed them in their preconceived ideas, affording them the opportunity to ascribe to the federal institutions faults that were really faults of the enemies of such institutions — of those who caused the disturbances for their own selfish purposes, and often forced well intentioned men in power, in order to save the government and themselves, to go beyond the orbit of their constitutional authority. It will be seen in the coursè of this history that such was the beginning of the revolutionary movements that disturbed Mexico almost from the promulgation of the first constitution.

The functions of the provisional government ceased when the constitutional executive went into office. During the interregnum of eighteen months the country was often imperilled, and the provisional authorities experienced much difficulty in securing the free institutions that the people demanded. Among the obstacles they had to contend against was the scarcity of property. Amidst constant political disturbance, and notwithstanding the frequent changes in the personnel of the executive, and the unanimous disapproval by it and the cabinet of the system of government demanded, all rose superior to their preferences, laboring zealously to satisfy the popular aspiration. By blending moderation with rigor, they restored public peace, left abundant resources, though unfortunately the proceeds of loans, and removed all hinderances to