Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/349

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

CORREGIMIENTOS.

329

to use their judgment before they took a step that might create a revolt among the Spaniards, retard settlement, or even affect the natives in a manner prejudicial to the crown. They had secret orders nevertheless to withdraw all grants unjustly held, to incorporate for the crown all that fell vacant, and as many more as they could with safety.^[1]

The system intended to replace the encomendero rule was that of corregimientos, in charge of petty governors or magistrates known as corregidores,^[2] who as royal representatives were to govern the Indians as tributary vassals, granting them almost equal freedom with the Spaniards. They must report on the land and industrial resources of the natives in their district, so that the higher authorities might determine

↑ Salmeron alludes to the clamor created by the execution of this secret decree; but 'come what may, your Majesty's orders shall be carried out,' for they are just. Letter, in Ternaux-Compans, Voy., série ii. tom. v. 126. See also Puga, Cedulario, 52, and Leon, Trat. Ecom., 18, on the new order.
↑ Who held civil and criminal jurisdiction in the first instance, and political and economic supervision of his district. 'They were of three classes: letrados, or versed in law, políticos ó de capa y espada, and políticos y militares. All had the same power, except that the last two, as not versed in law, had in suits to consult the alcaldes mayores, who acted as their counsel. Those now to be appointed in New Spain were not all of this formal dignity, though enjoying the title and duties. In the instructions for their guidance, dated July 12, 1530, they were ordered to obtain an account of the lands cultivated and the amount and kind of tribute paid; to keep a record of the encomiendas adjoining their corregimiento, by whom held, how managed, what tribute was obtained, how the natives were treated, what religious instruction was given, and whether there were any vagrants. They could accept no gift or fee, directly or indirectly, under penalty of loss of office and a fine seven times the value of the gift. Supplies might be obtained from the natives, but only on account of salary, to be deducted when tribute levy was made. They could form no business connection, and could neither build a house nor engage in trade. Besides responding to the usual demands on their political and judicial duties, they must make an annual tour of their district to watch over the interests of the natives. The established tariff of official fees must be strictly observed. This clause was much needed owing to the excessive demands of judges and advocates. The audiencia were willing to allow at first eight and subsequently five times the amount charged in Spain, while 20 times more was expected, and that in nearly all trades and professions. See Lettre, in Ternaux-Compans, Voy., série 11. tom. v. 123-4, Setena fines were to be applied wholly to the royal household. The supervision of municipal duties, of religious and social conduct, of roads and fences, of inns, and so forth, was enjoined. All official acts were to be testified to by notary. The care of the Indians was particularly urged, to liberate them from oppression, idolatry, and vices, and to promote Christian civilization. The instructions are quite minute. See Puga, Cedulario, 52-6; Herrera, dec. iv. lib. ix. cap. xiv.

[1] Salmeron alludes to the clamor created by the execution of this secret decree; but 'come what may, your Majesty's orders shall be carried out,' for they are just. Letter, in Ternaux-Compans, Voy., série ii. tom. v. 126. See also Puga, Cedulario, 52, and Leon, Trat. Ecom., 18, on the new order.

[2] Who held civil and criminal jurisdiction in the first instance, and political and economic supervision of his district. 'They were of three classes: letrados, or versed in law, políticos ó de capa y espada, and políticos y militares. All had the same power, except that the last two, as not versed in law, had in suits to consult the alcaldes mayores, who acted as their counsel. Those now to be appointed in New Spain were not all of this formal dignity, though enjoying the title and duties. In the instructions for their guidance, dated July 12, 1530, they were ordered to obtain an account of the lands cultivated and the amount and kind of tribute paid; to keep a record of the encomiendas adjoining their corregimiento, by whom held, how managed, what tribute was obtained, how the natives were treated, what religious instruction was given, and whether there were any vagrants. They could accept no gift or fee, directly or indirectly, under penalty of loss of office and a fine seven times the value of the gift. Supplies might be obtained from the natives, but only on account of salary, to be deducted when tribute levy was made. They could form no business connection, and could neither build a house nor engage in trade. Besides responding to the usual demands on their political and judicial duties, they must make an annual tour of their district to watch over the interests of the natives. The established tariff of official fees must be strictly observed. This clause was much needed owing to the excessive demands of judges and advocates. The audiencia were willing to allow at first eight and subsequently five times the amount charged in Spain, while 20 times more was expected, and that in nearly all trades and professions. See Lettre, in Ternaux-Compans, Voy., série 11. tom. v. 123-4, Setena fines were to be applied wholly to the royal household. The supervision of municipal duties, of religious and social conduct, of roads and fences, of inns, and so forth, was enjoined. All official acts were to be testified to by notary. The care of the Indians was particularly urged, to liberate them from oppression, idolatry, and vices, and to promote Christian civilization. The instructions are quite minute. See Puga, Cedulario, 52-6; Herrera, dec. iv. lib. ix. cap. xiv.

[1]

[2]