Mexico, its ancient and modern civilisation, history and political conditions, topography and natural resources, industries and general development; . ed many institutionsin Mexico with the beauty and utility of her own civili-sation. She endowed it with traditions and culture ; shegave it the spirit of Western ambition which bids everycitizen assert his right. The Mexican of to-day owes allhe has—law, literature, art, and social system, and refine-ment and religion—to Spain. But let us now take our stand with Hidalgo, thewarrior-priest of Mexico. The hand of Spain is stillpressing on the coun
Mexico, its ancient and modern civilisation, history and political conditions, topography and natural resources, industries and general development; . ed many institutionsin Mexico with the beauty and utility of her own civili-sation. She endowed it with traditions and culture ; shegave it the spirit of Western ambition which bids everycitizen assert his right. The Mexican of to-day owes allhe has—law, literature, art, and social system, and refine-ment and religion—to Spain. But let us now take our stand with Hidalgo, thewarrior-priest of Mexico. The hand of Spain is stillpressing on the country. The year 1810 has arrivedand the father of Mexicos independence is uttering hisfamous cry, Viva America ! viva religion ! death to badgovernment ! After the native place of Hidalgo thismessage—for such it rapidly became—was known asel grito de Dolores— the call of Dolores. The timewas ripe for the assertion of independence. Spain wasinvaded by Napoleon ; the King had abdicated. Whowas the authority who should carry on the govern-ment—or misgovernment—of the colony ? asked thecity Council of Mexico as they urged the Viceroy to. MEXICO AND THE VICEROYS 109 retain his authority against all comers. Unfortunately,the Spaniards, residents of the capital, precipitatedlawlessness by rising and seizing the persons of theViceroy Iturrigaray and high ecclesiastics, and somepolitical murders followed. But the predisposing causesfor the assertion of independence were nearer British colonies, away to the north-east on thesame continent, had severed the link which boundthem to the Mother Country. The embryo of the greatrepublic of the United States—poor and weak then—was established, and the spirit of independence was inthe air. Most poignant of all, however, was the feelingcaused by Spains treatment of the Mexicans. Instead offomenting the industries and trade of her colonies, Spainestablished amazing monopolies and unjust measures ofrepression. The trade whic
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