ITURBIDE'S PROCLAMATION

Mexicans! As a fellow-citizen desirous of the preservation of order, and anxious for your welfare infinitely more than for my own, I address myself to you. Political changes and alterations in the government of states produce no evils when the people are guided by that prudence and moderation which you have ever displayed. The army and the inhabitants of this city have just taken a decisive step; to the rest of the nation it appertains either to approve or reject it. As for me, at this moment, I can do no more than feel grateful for their determination, and beg of you, yes, fellow-citizens, I beseech you (for Mexicans need not my command) to repress any violence of passion, to forget all resentments, and to respect the authorities; for a people without authorities, or which possessing, treads them under foot, is a monster. (Ah! let none of my friends incur the appellation !) Let us wait for a time of greater tranquillity before.we irrevocably decide on our system and our destiny; it will speedily arrive. The whole nation is the country; its deputies this day represent it; let us hear them; let us not prove a scandal to the world; fear not that you shall be led astray by listening to my advice! The will of the people is the law; there is nothing superior to it. Listen to me, and give me this last proof of your attachment, which is all that I look for, and the height of my ambition. I dictate these words with my heart on my lips; do me the justice to believe me sincere and your best friend, ITURBIDE.