260 



MEXICAN REVOLUTION. 



peror of Mexico, on the basis proclaimed in the 

 Plan of Iguala, which had already been received 

 throughout the empire.**^ 



The Congress of Mexico issued a manifesto 

 on the elevation of Iturbide to the throne. Most 

 of it consists of mere words and declamation ; 

 but there is one paragraph evidently written from 

 real feeling — at least, it exactly defines Iturbide's 

 character, such as it was generally represented 

 in Mexico, while I was in that country. The 

 passage I allude to is as follows : 



" His love of liberty, his disinterestedness, his 

 dexterity, and political skill in uniting conflicting 

 interests, his capability in affairs of state, were 

 so many attractions to call forth your admiration, 

 and to excite the interest and affection which 

 you have professed for his person from the time 

 he commenced his glorious career.'''' 



The Emperor and the Congress did not long 

 agree. Conspiracies were formed amongst the 

 members ; arrests and trials took place, and vio- 

 lent resolutions were passed ; public business was 

 entirely neglected, and the Congress gave them- 

 selves up to personal squabbles and recriminations 



