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158 to such delays, and ordered his minister to proceed with the revision of church property sales in accordance with the laws under which they had taken place. Several prelates joined the archbishop in loud protest, only to receive a sharp reprimand from the sovereign, and the haughty nuncio was silenced by the observation that, while Maximilian as member of the christian community inclined submissively before the spiritual authority of the pope, as emperor, representing Mexican sovereignty, he recognized no power superior to his own. This put a stop to further communications; and the nuncio soon after took his leave, preceded by a commission which should seek to form an amicable arrangement with the holy see.

Meanwhile the government hastened to carry out the policy outlined, by issuing a decree for religious freedom, ordering the council of state to revise the nationalization of church estates, confirming sales legally made, and subjecting bulls to government approval ere they could be issued.