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378 to have no fixed political opinions. Under the circumstances, Lerdo could no longer be a member of the ministry, and he accordingly resigned in January, 1871, returning to his office of president of the supreme court.

The election came off at last; but none of the candidates having obtained the requisite majority, the sixth congress, on the 12th of October, 1871, chose and formally declared Juarez to be the constitutional president for the next term. He was inducted into office on the 1st of December with the usual ceremonials. In his address to congress he bewailed that the spirit of militarism had come again to disturb the public peace; expressing the hope that the representatives of the people and all good citizens would frown it down. But long before congress had made this declaration, the supporters of Lerdo and Diaz were aware that their efforts were of no avail. The friends of the latter accused the government of having tampered with the polls, effecting its purpose through the official element.