Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/710

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CHURCH GOVERNMENT.

ceeded, but took possession only in 1591, ruling harmoniously till his death in 1602. The dedication of the cathedral at Mérida, one of the finest in New Spain, took place during his rule.[1]

Nueva Galicia.
  1. In 1563 provision had been made for building it, one third of the cost to be defrayed by the crown, Spaniards, and Indians, respectively. The work began with the ready contribution of 50,000 natives, each giving two reales, both settlers and crown being too poor to pay. Quixada, Carta, 1563, in Cartas de Indias, 386. The architect was Juan Miguel de Agüero, who made himself a name thereby. The king gave 500 ducats for church ornaments, and an equal sum for a hospital. On these and other matters touching the bishopric, see letters of Bibanco, Toral, Quijada, etc., in Cartas de Indias.,