Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/99

Rh was irreproachable. His attention to public business was such, however, that he allowed himself but few hours with his family.

The general affairs of the country in the second half of 1829 were in a chaotic state. Disorganization fettered every branch of the government. Both its friends and enemies were discontented, and disposed to overthrow it. And yet, amidst its constant struggle, Guerrero's administration decreed several progressive measures, the most important of which was the abolition of slavery.

African slavery had indeed been reduced to narrow limits. The Dominican provincial of Chiapas, Father Matías Córdoba, gave freedom to the slaves on the estates of his order. On the 16th of September, 1825, President Victoria had liberated in the country's name the slaves purchased with a certain fund collected for that purpose, as well as those given up by their owners to the patriotic junta. The general abolition, however, was not actually carried out for some time, certain difficulties having arisen; and several states, among which was Zacatėcas, had decreed the freedom of slaves before the general government arrived at a final conclusion on the subject. As a matter of fact, the few remaining slaves were in domestic service, and treated more like members of families than as actual chattels. At last Deputy Tornel, taking advantage of the time when Guerrero was invested with extraordinary powers, drew up and laid before him a decree for total abolition. It was signed September 15, 1829, and proclaimed the next day, the