inent among the fallen institutions was the inquisition, which had so long cast its shadow over the land. Not content with opposing heresy, bigamy, and the like, and indorsing the existence of witchcraft by its dread cognizance, it had of late devoted special attention to repelling the invasion of modern philosophic thought and scientific investigation, by restricting publications and persecuting students. The suppression was hailed with unfeigned delight, and the inquisitors responded with admirable promptness to the popular will, surrendering the records and property without subterfuge. The estates and bonds alone, not counting allowances from churches and other sources, amounted to a million and a fifth of pesos, which went to swell the national resources.[1]
The Indians were deprived of their protective fiscales and governors, and, ignored as a representative body, rather suffered than gained by the reform movement; of the promise of land distribution and freedom from personal service there was no indication of fulfilment.[2] Another revolutionary reform was the suppression of the acordada, which had proved so efficient in checking brigandage and robbery, and of the less valuable police, established with much care and expenditure under Venegas; while the primary administration of justice in the capital, hitherto confided to thirty-two subordinates, alcaldes, and others, was now surrendered to six elected judges,[3] as aids
- ↑ The suppression decree, dated Feb. 22d, was issued at Mexico in June. Three months later the archbishop took the preliminary steps for enforcing it. Gutierrez, Leyes Ref., 33; Mex., Provid. Dioces., MS.,496-7. In Inquisition, Informe, Mex., 1813, 1-69, is an argument against the proceedings presented to the córtes. Rivera, Hist. Jalapa, i. 430-3, has preserved a synopsis of its executions in New Spain.
- ↑ By decree of Jan. 4, 1813, the córtes ordered vacant lands to be assigned to the villages for cultivation with community funds. Lands could even be borrowed from adjoining jurisdictions for two years. Córtes, Col. Dec., iii. 189-93. The decree was issued in New Spain in April, but the war prevented its enforcement; and so with the exemption from service to curas and others, proclaimed in June.
- ↑ The law assigned only one to aid the two alcaldes, but these being too few, the viceroy added five. See his decree in Gaz. de Mex., 1813, iv. 462. For other suppressed and reformed departments of justice, see Id., 565-6, etc. The pay of these judges was $1,500 and fees. See also Mex., Col. Dec, y Ord., 67-72.
