Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/248

228 hoped with the regained coöperation of the clergy to achieve good results. Liberals, on the other hand, condemned it as a suicidal declaration of war against the majority, and foresaw only dire consequences. Yet it was but a return of the government to the party to which it really stood pledged, and probably as good a course as could have been taken under the pressing circumstances, after so many failures. It was worth an effort to win over the clergy; yet it may be compared to the clutch of a drowning man.

The reconciliation of the emperor with the clerical party, and his evident intention of retaliating upon the French for their abandonment, made relations with Paris more disagreeable than ever, and upon Bazaine as agent fell no little of the brunt. The general had received many a favor from Maximilian, and had granted many a one in return, as instanced lately by advancing funds against the wishes of his master. But the disposition of the prince for ridicule, and his occasions for discontent with military operations, aggravated by a vacillating character, all tended to interpose frequent clouds between the two. The failure to maintain or follow up advantages gained, the concentration of troops, and other measures were mainly the result of political exigencies and lack of sufficient forces, yet the attitude at times assumed by the marshal from offended pride or arrogance led to his being suspected of greater iniquities. Complaints had not been sparing, joined with requests for his removal, and in April 1866 came a letter authorizing Bazaine to return to France, leaving Douay in