Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/96

76 certain corporations aid in fitting out another expedition. The Mexican government was duly advised by its agents and made preparations accordingly. The alarm throughout the country was great, and even gave rise to the circulation of a false report, in August 1830, that 5,000 Spaniards had landed between capes Rojo and Tamiahua near Tuxpan. This rumor probably originated in the movements of a few men seeking a suitable place for a smuggling operation. The consequence was that more stringent measures against the Spaniards were adopted by the government, not only expelling those still residing in Mexico, but forbidding the landing of others.

European intrigues were not wanting at this time, 1830, to erect thrones in Spanish America, one of which was to be raised in Mexico and occupied by a prince of the Orleans family. The best informed statesmen and politicians in Europe seemed to be under the impression that Mexico could be ruled only by a monarchy.

President Guerrero was duly installed in office on the 1st of April, 1829, and immediately published a manifesto outlining his future policy. The history of Mexico's long struggle for national life is witness to Guerrero's resolution. He was born in the town of Tixtla, then within the intendencia of Mexico, in 1782, of humble parents, Juan Pedro Guerrero and María