Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/45

Rh at first to strengthen Vera Cruz and San Juan de Ulúa; but as science and experience alike had taught that Ulúa could not resist a serious attack, and Vera Cruz was nothing without the fortress, it was resolved to remove the artillery from the castle before the Spanish fleet should arrive, and it was partly done.

Juarez succeeded in having a convention concluded on the 21st of November, between his minister of foreign affairs and Sir Charles L. Wyke, arranging every question at issue between the two nations, chiefly that which had resulted from the law for the suspension of payments. Nothing came of this important agreement, however, for though it satisfied just demands, and involved no heavy sacrifices, congress disapproved it, and it fell to the ground, notwithstanding the remonstrances of Minister Zamacona with the president's approval. President Juarez