Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/761

Rh congress, when he sustained the government in raising funds on the ecclesiastical property for the war against the United States. In 1847 he was chosen constitutional governor of Oajaca, reëlected in 1849, and discharged the office till 1852, when he retired to private life, the constitution not permitting a second reëlection. These five years of service gave him renown throughout the republic. After his surrender of the executive authority, he became president of his beloved instituto, and opened a law office, being then as poor, plain, and honest as before he held his first public trust. But he was allowed only a few months' rest. His presence in the country was dangerous to any tyrannical ruler.

After the triumph of the revolution of Ayutla, we have seen Juarez a member of the president's cabinet, and later appointed governor of Oajaca in 1856. His administration at this time was marked by much ability and energy. Among the many benefits it conferred on the state was the restoration of the instituto de ciencias which Santa Anna had suppressed. In 1857 he was chosen constitutional governor of the state by 112,000 direct votes.

The blow which the constitutionalists received by Parrodi's surrender tended to decrease their number, as well as that of the towns which had hitherto