Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/692

672 the man that public opinion seemed to point out, Comonfort; but the latter already had enemies, who advised Álvarez not to give up the presidency. In this dilemma the president called a meeting of the most prominent members of the liberal party, to fix upon the best course he should pursue to rid the country of current evils. After hearing their observations he resolved to carry out the purpose of turning over the executive authority, at least for the winter months, to Comonfort, who was to act as his substitute. But the opponents of the conciliatory policy that Comonfort would be sure to follow made Alvarez hesitate, and on the next day he accepted the resignation of the ministry, and summoned Luis de la Rosa to organize another. This vacillation appeared like a defeat for Comonfort, but it is not recorded that the vacant portfolios were filled by other ministers during the few days that Álvarez still remained at the head of affairs.

The government was now in a most trying situation, without money and without a policy. Contention divided the liberal party, and selfish interests retarded the reform just as it had won two victories — the suppression of privileges in civil causes and the exclusion of the clergy from public affairs. The attacks on the clergy, the adoption of certain financial measures, and the cutting-down of offices and salaries, tended to form a compact mass of enemies actively plotting the overthrow of Álvarez' administration. The discontent was made manifest in the revolutionary movement, headed by Doblado in Guanajuato, refusing further recognition of Álvarez' government, and proclaiming Comonfort president, which was immediately seconded at Tepic. These acts put an end to Álvarez' vacillation. On the 8th of December, 1855, he issued