Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/255

When an Indian is engaged; certain wages are agreed on; it is true; but then his master takes care to supply him either with a stock of maize a little clothing; a small portion of land; or perhaps a small amount of money (which he soon expends in liquor) on account: thus a debt is created to his disadvantage from the commencement; from which; in the course of years of labour—in his unthrift and ignorance—he is unable to release himself. For his weekly remuneration is barely sufficient for the support of himself and family; and if it were more, it would only be an additional temptation to dissipation: thus the poor Indian; if not in name; is in reality; almost the property of his master; his first arrears always hanging like an offensive weapon over his head; and his services being always paid for beforehand. With no satisfaction in the past; no care for the present; and no hope of the future; therefore; the Indian never rises in the social scale: and perhaps his doing so would be unsatisfactory to the powers above him. While benevolent associations; religious missionaries; and enlightened governments; are striving for the amelioration of many classes of mankind; would that something could be