Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/26

6 reign of terror was prevented, for there was hardly one deputy in the chamber who was opposed to extreme measures.

The amnesty law of March was made more comprehensive by a decree of congress, dated November 23, 1861, and published December 2d, which reduced the number of exceptions, and included in its benefits all political offences from December 17, 1857.

The cabinet formed by Juarez, after the resignation of his former ministers in January 1861, consisted of Francisco Zarco, of relations; Ignacio Ramirez, of justice; and Guillermo Prieto, of the treasury. The portfolio of fomento was held ad interim in the hands of Zarco. The policy adopted, after a few hours' consultation, was that the necessity of the government acting without the pale of the constitution had ceased to exist. Legal formalities were not, however, to stand in the way of the guarantees and reforms demanded by the national will, and so dearly won on so many bloody fields. The necessity of establishing order in the several departments of government, particularly in that of the treasury, was fully recognized. Foreign relations should have the best attention, international obligations be respected, and disputed questions settled. The development of