CHAPTER XXVII.
INDIAN POLICY.
1550-1560.
Luis de Velasco, Second Viceroy — Royal Instructions and Subsequent Regulations — Enforcement of the New Laws — Consternation Caused by their Execution — Slaves Set Free — Diego Ramirez' Commission — Caciques' Abuses Checked — The Crown Assumes Full Jurisdiction — Encomienda Entail — Opposition of the Audiencia — Bad Effects of the New Laws on Mining and Revenue — Population and Its Character — Reform Measures — Powers of the Viceroy Restricted — The Audiencia Made his Council — Philip II. Proclaimed King — He Begs for Money.
The newly appointed viceroy, Luis de Velasco, was a member of the noble house of the constable of Castile, and a knight of Santiago, who to his illustrious birth and high merits united the experience gained by nearly thirty years of military service and as a ruler in Navarre. During his long career he had displayed sterling personal worth and practical statesmanship. He was of industrious habits, and in him patience and firmness were united to a winning affability. He seemed fitted in every particular to fill the responsible position to which he had been called by his sovereign.[1] Indeed, it was necessary that the government so judiciously organized by Mendoza should be as faithfully administered by his successor.
- ↑ Herrera, dec. viii. lib. vii. cap. xiv.; Alaman, Disert., iii. app. ii. One religious writer erroneously states that Velasco had served in the campaign against the Chichimecs. It was probably his son that was referred to, who at a later time rendered service there. Medina, Chron. S. Diego, 253. Velasco, in a letter of July 12, 1552, to the emperor, says that the secretary of the royal council, Francisco de Eraso, assured him at the time of his appointment, that if Mendoza, after serving three years in Peru, desired to be a second time viceroy of Mexico, he, Velasco, was to give up the office to him, and go to
