religious corporations entitled to do so. In view of the greater efficiency of raining corporations as compared with individuals, their formation was fostered by the grant of exceptional privileges, but withal the interests of the laborers were not overlooked. A number of regulations set forth their duties and their rights; they should receive equitable pay in coin, or in goods at the lowest prices. The diputaciones were instructed to protect them against usury or imposition and see to it that their food be of good quality. When imprisoned for debt the laborer could demand permission to pay off his obligation by working under guard, and to receive a share of his wages for the support of his family. The prevailing idea in the new ordinances was, in fact, to encourage mining operations by liberal protection. The sharp practice of financial agents was checked by limiting the rate of interest on advances to five per cent.[1] As the bank connected with the tribunal had been created to abolish abuses, minute instructions were issued for the management of its funds. The establishment of the mining college not being regarded as sufficient to awaken interest, the study of mineralogy was further stimulated by granting its students honors of nobility, and to practical miners certain other privileges.[2]
The paternal policy so characteristic of Spanish colonial legislation was displayed in these ordinances. Diputaciones were to admonish extravagant miners, and the tribunal at Mexico had the power to appoint guardians for them. In a similar manner the safety of laborers was provided for by instructions how to effect the ventilation and drainage of mines, and the
- ↑ Contracts were not valid unless drawn up before witnesses, and advances affected only the mine for which they had been made, not any other property of the owner. Ordenanzas de Minería, 156-108.
- ↑ Owners of mines and their assistants could not be imprisoned for debt, but the latter, when indebted, were forbidden to leave the district until their master had paid the obligations from their salary. An execution on private property could not include a saddle-horse, one mule, arms, and other necessary effects. To old or poor miners and their descendants, offices should be given in preference to other persons. Ordenanzas de Minería, 203-9.
