Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/772

752 advice to the constitutionalists to keep themselves aloof from it, and to the soldiers fighting for the constitutional cause not to forsake their standard, but to continue the good fight till victory should crown their efforts.

Robles appealed to the clergy for means to support the troops, and despatched commissioners to Governor Gutierrez Zamora at Vera Cruz, and other prominent supporters of Juarez, inviting them to second his plan. Meanwhile the reactionary forces were kept on the defensive.

The departments of Mexico and Guanajuato accepted the modified plan, and it was reported that Vera Cruz was well disposed thereto, inasmuch as it recognized for its basis popular sovereignty. The constitutional government looked, however, on these devices as by-play, and commanded that operations on the field should be vigorously prosecuted.

One thing was noticed in the arrangements of the leading men at Mexico: that no mention was made of a commissioner to represent the northern army in the junta to be organized, as if to indicate that Miramon was ignored. This greatly displeased the out-and-out reactionists, and the result was that Robles' action did not change the aspect of the main question.

The organization of the junta at the capital was delayed by Echeagaray, who was not pleased with the doings there, and even felt disposed to march with his troops upon Mexico; but he was arrested, and on being released sent as his delegate Cárlos Peza, who on his way was captured by the guerrilla chief Carbajal. Robles' plan for various reasons became impracticable, though he had finally agreed to Echeagaray and Miramon being represented in the junta,