Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/265

245 the dissolution of the Austro-Belgian legions, yet holding out special inducements for their reënlistment in the new Mexican army, with a view to form a foreign nucleus. Few, however, took the hint.

They could hardly be blamed, for the entire western and eastern army districts were in possession of the republicans, as well as the region south of Puebla, while the few remaining central provinces were overrun by hostile bands, and about to be invaded by the victorious Juarists. On the other side the long-projected national army had become reduced to insignificant proportions amid the lack of means and energy, especially of late, when the question of maintaining the empire hung in the balance, to the demoralization of all branches; and the prospects of raising the force to any effective proportions seemed slight.

The disappointments and reverses of the imperialists, so far outlined, indicate in a measure the corresponding hopes and gains of their opponents. With every retrograde step of the French grew the courage and activity of the Juarists, and every victory served to swell the number of their adherents, and expand