Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/645

Rh from other parties, who stood prepared to barter principle and prestige for a patronizing smile.

His advance toward the capital was a triumphal march, past streaming banners and pealing bells, under imposing arches and floral wreaths, over abject deputations, and midst the boom of cannon and the cheers of a novelty-seeking multitude. And Santa Anna responded in turn with winning nods, and a most generous dispensation of promises, to which he lent support by a well-studied proclamation, and a modest refusal of the title of captain-general, which Lombardini obsequiously revived for his special benefit. No less pleasing was the impression produced by an amnesty for all political offences, which served to lull the fears of those on whom vengeance might fall. The illusion of the federalists was early disturbed, however, by an unsatisfactory reply to petitions in favor of their system; and among the conservatives only too many regretted the surrender of so much power to such a man. But they needed him, and he could not do without them.

Lúcas Alaman, as their leader, had taken the precaution to outline the policy desired by them, requiring above all protection against liberal encroachment upon the church as the only reliable bond between the people, with their antagonistic castes and races; also security for proprietors of landed estates — generally of enormous extent — against the progressive ideas now becoming prevalent. The masses were