The reason is very simple: Bustamente
was a rival of Santa Anna for the presidency; the general's absence
allowed him to intrigue, and when the news reached the capital that
Santa Anna had fallen a prisoner, it became necessary to elect a new
president. Bustamente had never been very popular, but having promised
to the American population of the seaports that nothing should be
attempted against Texas if he were elected, these, through mercantile
interest, supported him, not only with their influence but also with
their money.
When, at last, Santa Anna returned to Mexico, his power was lost, and
his designs upon Texas were discarded by his successor. Bustamente was a
man entirely devoid of energy, and he looked with apathy upon the
numerous aggressions made by the Texans upon the borders of Mexico. As
soon, however, as the Mexicans heard that the Texans, in spite of the
law of nations, had sent an expedition to Santa Fe, at the very time
that they were making overtures for peace and recognition of their
independence, they called upon Bustamente to account for his culpable
want of energy. Believing himself secure against any revolution, the
president answered with harsh measures, and the soldiery, now
exasperated, put Santa Anna at their head, forcing him to re-assume the
presidency.
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