the numerous laws enacted against it.[1] But as ruler it behooved him to enforce them in some respects at least, though his efforts availed little, to judge from the many stringent decrees by local and supreme authorities which followed during subsequent years. The tenor of some indicates that non-observance was almost expected.[2] A check was laid also upon more innocent pastimes common among artisans, lest too great indulgence should lead to neglect of work. During working hours this class was not allowed to play at skittles and similar games.[3] At other times entertainments were encouraged, processions were held, bull-fighting was introduced,[4] and the authorities of Mexico city even favored the establishment of a dancing-school.[5]
Among the vices attending the increase of wealth and inaction was extravagance, particularly in dress, and this it was thought best to restrict by forbidding the use of brocade, silk, or velvet for clothes, or taf-
- ↑ It was among the charges flung at Cortés that he not only enjoyed games himself, but stooped to share in the illicit profits of those who dealt in them unfairly; that he would punish gambling everywhere but in his own house; where tables were always ready, with servants in attendance to furnish cards and collect fees for their use. Several deposed to this effect, but chiefly of those who had been mulcted heavily for violations of the gambling law. Cortés, Residencia, i. 51, and passim.
- ↑ Yet the language could not be more positive, nor the penalties more severe. They were renewed with every change of officials. A cédula of April 5, 1528, had forbidden all play at dice, and permitted only cards and other games with stakes to the amount of 10 pesos de oro, once within 24 hours. Ponce de Leon failed to execute royal orders in this respect, and they were repeated to the audiencia on July 12, 1530. Puga, Cedulario, 23-4, 42-3. Both having failed, a later cédula reprimands the audiencia and enjoins compliance to the letter. Id., 70-1. Yet by order of November 5, 1529, that body is directed to withdraw all actions for gambling offences which had been commenced prior to its institution, but to be vigilant against new offenders. An order of March 1530 especially directs it to stop all proceedings against Cortés; these proceedings had been followed by an excessive attachment against his property in the sum of 120,000 pesos de oro. There is some coloring for the charge that gaming was tolerated in the executive mansion, since a resolution of the cabildo on January 27, 1525, specifically forbids gaming in the atarazanas and in the palace, and directs the levying of prescribed fines in case of violation. Libro de Cabildo, MS., Feb. 1, 1525.
- ↑ Id., June 21, 1527.
- ↑ Panes argues for 1529, Monumentos Domin. Esp., MS., 69, but fights were held already in June 1526, Vetancurt, Trat. Mex., 6, and perhaps earlier.
- ↑ Por ser enoblecimiento de la Ciudad.' A license of 40 pesos was paid. Libro de Cabildo, MS., October 30, 1520.
