Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/758

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CHAPTER XXXIII.

FIFTH, SIXTH, AND SEVENTH VICEROYS.

1580-1589.

Suarez de Mendoza, Conde de la Coruña — A too Benignant Rule — Golden Times for the Corrupt Officials — Suarez well out of It — Archbishop Moya y Contreras Made Visitador — Then Viceroy — A Stern Ruler — He Makes Money for his Master — Hard Times for the Wicked Officials — They Beg Deliverance from Moya — And Receive It — Zúñiga, Marques de Villamanrique — A Just and Moderate Rule — Pirates on the West Coast — Cavendish Captures A Galleon — A Rare Prize — California Coast Defences — Commerce on the Atlantic — Epidemic, Earthquakes, and Social Disruption — Villamanrique Deposed and Humiliated.

Lorenzo Suarez de Mendoza, conde de la Coruña, received an enthusiastic welcome in the capital on the 4th of October, 1580, as the fifth viceroy of New Spain, the ceremonies being conducted with unusual pomp. With the increase of the Spanish population, and the development of stock-raising and mining, wealth and luxury had assumed magnificent proportions, and the viceregal dignity swelled accordingly. In the present instance the high station and rare personal qualities of Suarez had something to do with the unusually brilliant reception. He was a member of the illustrious family of the first viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza, whose memory was still cherished; he was advanced in age, enjoying the fame of a great soldier and gallant courtier, and with a disposition more affable, frank, and generous than that of any of his predecessors. Thus he at once captivated all with whom he came in contact.

Naturally from his rule the people expected the

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