Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/733

Rh several arbitrary acts of the government. A. sudden ministerial crisis brought to the head of the cabinet Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, as minister of relations, and to the portfolios of justice and government, respectively, Antonio García and Marcelino Castañeda. The political character of the new ministry was moderate, leaning to conservatism, whereas the preceding one inclined to radical liberalism. The crisis was attributed to some project in connection with tobacco, but the trouble really lay in Comonfort's vacillating course, in his lack of fixed principles, which led him to recede from his past progressive course; for which reason Castañeda remained but a short time in the cabinet, being succeeded by Jesus Teran, an able, upright, and progressive statesman.

At this juncture the press began to discuss whether it would not be best to continue the dictatorial régime, and postpone the operation of the constitution. This suggestion was made in the midst of the elections, and weakened the progresistas. Comonfort vacillated between that party and the moderado, which was his own; the latter was not in condition to assume leading role, owing to lack of organization and able leaders, and Comonfort still clung to the idea of forming the liberal union party with men professing merely republican principles. His course was suicidal, for reform principles had been the very life of his administration. He seemed to despair of being able to bear the reforms to a haven of safety, and this aroused suspicion and distrust of his intention. However, he tried to