Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/715

Rh had been going on amid the violent hostility of the conservative press, as well as of opposition in the committee, two of whose members had given a dissenting vote. Two others signed the report, with the reservation of voting against one or more of its articles; and still another declined signing it. A number of the most prominent members advocated the revival of the constitution of 1824, as better suited to the Mexican mind. The project was also opposed on the part of the government by the distinguished statesman Luis de la Rosa; but was finally accepted as a whole by 93 ayes against five nays, and the consideration of each article slowly went on. The archbishop remonstrated to congress against article 15, which treated of religious freedom, asking that the Roman catholic worship should be the only one permitted. The debate on this point began on the 29th of July. There were present 106 deputies, and a crowd of people filled the galleries. It lasted till the 5th of August, when it was decided not to put the article to the vote, by 65 nays to 46 ayes. Not having been rejected, it was referred back to the committee for a report in some other form. The question was thus left to the future. But one great point had been gained: light had been thrown upon it by discussion, and the principle was bound to triumph.

The labors of the congress on the constitution were terminated on the 5th of February, 1857, and the fundamental code as adopted was signed, and its support sworn to by each member; after which President Comonfort was escorted to the house, and he also took the oath before God "to recognize, observe, and cause to be observed, the political constitution of the