San Juan Bautista to José Victor Fernandez, Secretary. Juan Ferré, Secretary, April 17, 1868

Extraordinary faculties conceded by the legislature of Tabasco to the Governor of that state.

Felipe J. Serra, constitutional governor of the free and sovereign State of Tabasco, to the inhabitants of the same, be it known: That by the honorable legislature of the State there has been addressed to me the following decree:

The legislature of the free and sovereign State of Tabasco, considering the absence of any result from the lenitude with which until now the executive has treated all those who, without any political principles, have launched themselves upon the arena of insurrection, that the country is again threatened by a vandalic rebellion which it is necessary to restrain with a strong hand, in use of its faculties, decrees:

Article 1. The executive is authorized immediately, and under his most strict responsibility, to proceed, at his discretion, against the disturbers of the public repose until peace is restored to the State.

Art. 2. He can, in consequence, first, organize and place under arms all the national guard of the State, and in such force as is sufficient for the object. Second, procure pecuniary resources in such manner as he may judge most convenient, pledging therefor the revenues of the State. Third, arrest and imprison and expel from the State all secret conspirators. Fourth, severely punish all conspirators discovered, and proceeding, at his discretion, in all relating to the public tranquillity.

Art. 3. The executive is eminently responsible before congress for the public tranquillity of the State and the use he may make of the faculties conceded to him, of which he will give an account to the legislature, as well as that the peace of the State shall be a reality.

The executive will be informed of the same, and will direct its compliance.