Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/230

210 Something had to be done, however, if only to gain time. The French government was asked to postpone the departure of the army for three years, and to accept twenty-five million francs a year in payment of its claims on Mexico, as soon as the Mexican treasury could afford the sum. This proposition was forwarded by Almonte, who had also to replace Hidalgo as minister at Paris, the hope being entertained that his previous relations with Napoleon as conservative leader might have an effect. The request was refused, as might have been expected, involving as it did only fresh sacrifices without any definite prospect of paying the growing debt. It was, moreover, coupled with the demand for financial guarantees, including the assignment of one half of the custom-house receipts; otherwise France would regard herself as liberated from all engagements, and take immediate steps for withdrawing her troops.

The object of the note was no doubt to force Maximilian to abdicate, and so facilitate the new course