Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/652

632 In order to render the new army as reliable as possible for the aims of the dictator, commissions were not only freely distributed among his known adherents, but several measures were invented to get rid of suspected individuals. A decree was issued to rake up the conduct of officers during the war of 1846-7, and dismiss those who had neglected to fight or shown cowardice, while rewarding the brave and patriotic. The task was confided to a special council, which had also to remove inefficient officers; and it would ever have been commended for its regenerative spirit, had not the real motive soon become apparent in the unjust and arbitrary manner of staining honorable names, and ignoring incapacity and unworthiness when centred in favorites. Not content with all these steps for securing control, certain petty demonstrations were used as a pretence for issuing an outrageously strict law against conspirators, and establishing an extensive force of secret police, which penetrated even into the family circle. The flimsiest accusation and the barest suspicion sufficed to drag worthy citizens from their homes into prisons and exile. Others were subjected to the most annoying surveillance. Internal passports served to control movements in every direction, and a press law forbade under severe penalties the slightest unfavorable comment on political affairs, every journal having to furnish heavy bonds for good conduct. The introduction of arms was carefully restricted, and even their possession by private citizens. Thus both incentive to and means for outbreaks were to be diminished; but indignation found