Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/22

2 with. Discordant elements among the liberals themselves must be harmonized, old standing abuses eradicated, and finances adjusted before the haven of safety is reached.

The liberal government, therefore, will have not only to devise the best methods to give the reforms a firm footing amidst the internal troubles, but likewise to face the intervention of great military powers so wickedly called into the family differences — an intervention that with fire and sword and the introduction of still another disturbing element is to bring the republic almost to the brink of destruction, though to rise again victorious, and under the ægis of its liberal laws, and the guidance of wise and patriotic statesmen, secure, it is to be hoped, permanent peace, and with it that moral, intellectual, and material advancement which will entitle it to a place among the enlightened nations.

The attitude assumed by the president and his minister of relations toward the foreign diplomatic agents, who had unduly interfered with Mexico's internal affairs in their support of the reactionary officials, was very determined. The Spanish ambassador, the pope's, legate, and the representatives of Guatemala and Ecuador were required to leave the republic. Their dismissal was placed on personal grounds. Pacheco and the other two diplomates denied having violated the laws of neutrality, and declined to be dealt with as private persons The order as regarded the Ecuador chargé was recalled with an apology, on the government becoming satisfied that he had committed no hostile act.