Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/655

Rh disorder and oppression. Haro had begun well by economizing in several ways, stopping extra allowances, annulling many of Lombardini's orders, and promoting honesty and zeal with medals and advancement as well as by inspection; but this fell into neglect, and taxes and contributions increased fast and furiously to meet the increasing demands, until trade and industries, just about to revive, were again thrust back into a languishing condition. Even windows were taxed in a manner to threaten a change in architecture. Debts remained unpaid, the frontier was neglected, ruinous contracts and privileges were conceded, and disorder reigned supreme within the treasury, owing partly to inefficient methods, and partly to the x The demands of creditors were x staved off: those of the Spanish by means of a most unfavorable convention, which, being objected to by later governments, brought war clouds upon the country, as will be seen; and so with the French claims. pressure for means.

The credit as well as the blame, for the opening measures at least, of the dictatorship are due to Lúcas Alaman, one of the most prominent minds of Mexico, distinguished as the prime minister of its first republican administration, and subsequently as the leader of the conservative party. He contributed in a marked degree, in different public capacities, to shape the destinies of the nation: now as benefactor in checking the unbridled projects of visionaries and schemers, and in promoting material advancement; anon, unfortunately, in urging partisans to fierce strife, and in arraying selfish opposition to the dearest interests of the people.

Of an aristocratic family, reared amidst the