Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/95

Rh a certain date were annulled, the object of which was a sort of moral suasion through the pocket of the individual.

Forey issued a long proclamation on the 12th, declaring the military occupation an accomplished fact. The 10th of June, he said, must have caused all delusions to disappear, convincing the late government of its impotence to retain the power it had made such a wretched use of. About the political question he gave the Mexicans much advice, freely using the words 'fraternity, concord, and true patriotism'; they were to be no longer liberals or reactionists, but become Mexicans; meaning, it is presumed, that they should be of one mind, and cheerfully accept the intervention, which would make them all very pious conservatives. He promised much that he knew he could not accomplish, nevertheless he found many to believe him. The country had been disturbed so many years, and ruin had overtaken so many, that there were not wanting some who were really disposed to accept anything. There were, however, certain words in the address which produced disagreeable impressions on the ultra conservatives and clericals, who saw in them the true inwardness of Napoleon's instructions to Forey on the religious question; he was to show much deference for religion, and at the same time give assurance to the possessors of national estates. Thus the people of Mexico were soon made aware that the policy of the French government was wholly at variance with the national thought and