Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/236

216 Unfortunately for him, the warfare was rather of a guerrilla character, involving the scattering of forces; many of the soldiers drafted into the ranks from unwilling subjects, and from the class of deserters, or even malefactors, could not be relied upon; and outfit as well as pay proved scanty or lacking, so that altogether the value and efficiency of the army were greatly reduced.

In addition came discontent among the Austro-Belgian regiments, ever opposed to any subordination to Mexican officers, or even to French — a trouble increased by unforeseen hardships, and by the war in Europe. The greatest obstacle of all, however, was the lack of money, which was causing an outcry from every direction, impeding operations, and threatening wide-spread disbandment. The case was placed before Bazaine in April, with an urgent appeal for assistance. A small advance now would obviate a crisis, and save enormous outlays at a later time. France could not allow its work to collapse by refusing so slight a sacrifice. The marshal yielded by granting a monthly allowance of two and a half million francs. The