Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/49

Rh entered his heart. He was ever ready to lay aside his private opinion when duty demanded it. His abnegation and utter neglect of his own interests were notorious; his country was his idol. He died so poor that he had to be buried at public expense.

Victoria's administration began under the happiest auspices. The republic was at peace; party violence had been kept under, and every one hoped for the best. The president's authority was disputed by none; and as for money, all the minister had to do was to draw bills on London. And yet there was a dread of impending trouble. Eighty days after the sanction of the constitution, congress authorized the executive to expel all foreigners deemed dangerous; to remove from one place to another, when necessary, any servant of the federation, or inhabitants of the territories and federal district, as also those of the states through the medium of their respective governors. Should the supreme authorities of the states conspire against the national independence, or the adopted federal system, the executive was to bring them under subjection by military force agreeably to article 110 of the constitution. Following this example, the state legislatures voted ample powers to their governors. However, on the 24th of December congress voted an amnesty for political offences, excepting from its benefits only persons convicted of treacherous designs against the