461
PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
Seiior De Zavala was by nature a lover of liberty; and on account of much study and reflection he became a perfect Republican. Never did he abandon his opinions and sentiments. Although he was a personal friend of Iturbide, nevertheless, he openly opposed him in his usurpa- tions; and he continued his opposition while there was the least chance of effecting any good by his efforts. He yielded to the bad state of public affafrs, only when all the· means were exhausted for preventing or correcting them:- Iturbide when his government was organized, offered to Zavala one of the chief offices. "I cannot accept it," said Zavala, "unless I may be permitted to retain and vindicate my prin- ciples and my republican views; which I believe and hope will triumph in my country."- Iturbide was content to receive the aid of Zavala on any condition whatever; and the friends of free government, were likewise rejoiced in having him in the councils of the country, where he would be able to excite good influences over the Usurper.- The people recognized in Seiior De Zavala the defender of liberty under all circumstances.- The his.tory of Iturbide is well known. Seiior Zavala was his friend in adversity and obtained and enjoyed his affection without losing the confidence of the public. This was the natural effect of his frank disposition.- He never flattered Iturbide: neither did he deceive the people.- He was true to the one, as a friend, and to the other as a patriot. After the fall of Iturbide and his expulsion from the country, the nation felt the necessity of establishing order and good government ·without delay. The different States appointed their deputies; and very soon was convoked in the city of Mexico a national convention, called the "Constituent Congress." This was in the year 1824.- Senor Zavala was deputy from Yucatan; and appointed President of that body. This congress drew up the Constitution of Mexico and to Zavala must be attributed the merit, whatever, it may be, of incorporating in said document such wise and excellent provisions; because he had studied the free institutions of the United States, more profoundly than others, and he had likewise, the popularity and influence to enforce his views and opinions. When the government was organized under the Con- stitution, and with Guadalupe Victoria as President, Seiior Zavala was placed at the head of the Department of the Treasury; in which office he functioned a short period,4 5 when he was made Governor of Mexico.- At that time the State of Yucatan rebelled against the Federal gov- ernment, and proclaimed its Independence. Zavala was sent there to pacify the inhabitants, and to induce them to proclaim the Federation again; but scarcely had Zavala arrived at Sisal, when they ordered him to leave the citv. The inhabitants were informed of his mission before his arrival ana" although they were all his personal friends, they spoke to him to this effect, "Senor Zavala"-they said, "We know the object of your visit; and as we are determined never to reunite ourselves with the other States in a common government, it is neither proper nor prudent that you be received by us, or that we permit you to remain here ;-Consequently you will have to leave im- mediately."-Zavala requested the privilege of going to Merida to see
"[Note in document] showing in the management of the treasury disinterest- edness and economy which augmented it.
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