Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/414

394 fact that Diaz refused to do so caused some inquietude. No one could regard the revolution as completely terminated so long as he held aloof.

During the earlier communications between Diaz and Lerdo, while men's minds were still agitated by the change in affairs, an event occurred significant in superstitious quarters of dire calamity. Early in the afternoon of August 22d, a fire broke out in the interior of the palace, originating on the wooden roof of the chamber of deputies. The conflagration spread with rapidity, and the cupola, also of wood, was quickly ablaze. Tongues of flame shot intermittently upward, streaking with fiery red black columns of smoke which soon formed a pall over the capital, the great bell of the cathedral ringing out further commotion. The knowledge that quantities of ammunition were deposited in the store-rooms increased the interest. By the exertions of General Mejía and the ministers, the fire was kept confined to that portion of the building occupied by the legislative chambers, which was totally destroyed.

As the election days drew near the pacification of the country was gradually accomplished, and constitutional order restored. In Sinaloa the revolutionists, after gaining possession of Mazatlan, and making captives of the commandant Flores, the civil and