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26 insisted on the convention being ratified, but to be again repulsed; and then the American minister retired the proposals he had made, which would have facilitated the arrangement of the foreign demands. The persistence of congress brought on a ministerial crisis early in December, which the president could not avert, though he tried to retain Zaragoza, Balcárcel, and Gonzalez Echeverría, the last named having had the treasury in his charge only a few days. Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, who had caused the crisis, was called on to form a cabinet, but declined, not being in accord with the president's policy.

The threatening attitude of foreign powers being now certain, several reactionary chiefs presented themselves to the government and tendered their services. Among them were Negrete, Velez, Argüellez, and others. After a few days' reflection, Manuel Doblado, from whose patriotism and ability the country had great expectations, accepted the charge of relations, with the presidency of the cabinet. There being a perfect accord of views between the president