Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/682

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RULE OF VICEROY ENRIQUEZ.

tered public instruction in every possible way. One of the peculiarities of his policy was the consideration he always extended to Spaniards born in Mexico, contrary to traditional ideas, believing them entitled to hold positions of trust in the government, recognizing the fact that to refuse them was an insult to their integrity and patriotism. Indeed, when their claims were ignored, they invariably carried their grievances to the foot of the throne. He wished his policy in this respect to be continued.

During the rule of Enriquez the semi-centennial of the Aztec empire's destruction was celebrated with great pomp and rejoicing by all classes, more particularly by the natives, all but the Aztecs themselves.[1]

The same year part of the fleet from Spain was wrecked in passing the sound to enter the gulf of Mexico. Four of the ships were stranded on the coast of Tabasco.[2]

The outgoing ruler met his successor at Otumba, where they held conferences on the general affairs of the country, after which the latter repaired to Mexico, Enriquez tarrying in Otumba several months until the season arrived for his departure.[3]

  1. They spontaneously added to the amusements of Spanish origin many others that had been in vogue in ancient Mexico. Cavo, Tres Siglos, i. 193-4.
  2. The crews and passengers and most of the cargoes were saved. Cogolludo, Hist. Yuc., 334-5.
  3. He presided at Peru until about 1583, when he died, and his remains were interred in the convent of San Francisco at Lima. At his death, says Torquemada, many birds of prey appeared over his house, which was accounted for by each one to suit himself: 'No sè què quiso significar este acto; Dios to sabe, que sabe todas las cosas.' Possibly Torquemada could not forgive Enriquez' sternness toward the chief of the Franciscans in Mexico upon a certain occasion.