Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/131

Rh church over liberalism personified in his appointment and arrival. Arches covered the approaches to prominent places, flowers were strewn along his path, gorgeous processions met him at every turn, and vivas rent the air. The prelate took his seat among the regents October 18th, hitherto filled by Ormaechea, resolved above all to protect the interests of the church, with a zeal fortified by a long residence in the holy city, and regardless of political exigencies. The more diplomatic Ormaechea had prevailed on his colleagues to suspend the circulation of bonds and notes issued by the Juarez government against confiscated and sold church property, and to stay building operations thereon by new holders. So vast, however, was the proportion of foreign interest in these estates, held actually or nominally by Frenchmen in particular, that Almonte and Salas were persuaded by the new French commander to repeal this act, and very properly recognize all sales so far made, till Maximilian himself should decide, after consulting with the pontiff and council. Labastida protested against this legalization of church plunder, as he termed it, and finding that he could not be persuaded, the other regents, under French stimulus, ignored him and his further protests against the legality of acts issued by an incomplete regency. The supreme tribunal also taking the latter view regarding this body, Almonte and his colleague soon after removed the judges, including Pavon, their president, and substitute regent. This created a strong feeling, which was