Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/818

798 steps for securing predominance, by striving for a government centralized at the capital in one strong hand and encircled by aristocratic bulwarks, as instanced already in the empire of Iturbide. This resolve stands redeemed to some extent by the conviction that the masses are as yet unfitted for an equal share in the administration. The people, however, who have achieved the independence, and founded upon it bright hopes of equality and self-rule, are not disposed to surrender the fruits of their efforts to a class which has contributed little or nothing toward the great object. The result is a bitter strife between the two great parties, known in course of time under the different names of reactionists and progressionists, conservatives and liberals, aristocrats and democrats, and so forth, with numerous subdivisions, which, under various disguises and pretensions, manage to win over or unite for a time upon a common issue a more or less strong representation from the opposite side.

In the heat of conflict little hesitation is shown at the means for sustaining excitement or attaining success; and so we behold now a persecution of individuals and classes, as instanced notably in the expulsion of Spaniards, which has an effect not unlike that of the huguenot expatriation in France; anon a deplorable pillage or massacre, involving innocent persons, and staining the honor of the nation; and again, a goading and rousing of race feeling which threatens a deluge of blood. And so the country is racked and torn by a series of inflictions that retard progress and imperil national existence. The prime mover in the struggle is the growing mestizo element, with its lofty ambition and intelligent energy. The oppressed and neglected Indian, ever the prey of the victor, still holds aloof, regarding the issue with mingled indifference and suspicion, for he has so frequently been deceived in his hopes.

A leading factor in the strife is the army; at times a mere instrument, but only too often the arbiter.