In the treatment of my subject, truth and accuracy
are the principal aim, and these are never
sacrificed to graphic style or glowing diction. As
much of interest is thrown into the recital as the authorities
justify, and no more. Often may be seen the
more striking characteristics of these nations dashed
off with a skill and brilliance equaled only by their
distance from the facts; disputed points and unpleasing
traits glossed over or thrown aside whenever they
interfere with style and effect. It is my sincere desire,
above all others, to present these people as they
were, not to make them as I would have them, nor to
romance at the expense of truth; nevertheless, it is
to be hoped that in the truth enough of interest will
remain to command the attention of the reader. My
treatment of the subject is essentially as follows: The
civilized peoples of North America naturally group
themselves in two great divisions, which for convenience
may be called the Nahuas and the Mayas respectively;
the first representing the Aztec civilization
of Mexico, and the second the Maya-Quiché civilization
of Central America. In describing their manners
and customs, five large divisions may be made
of each group. The first may be said to include the
systems of government, the order of succession, the
ceremonies of election, coronation, and anointment,
the magnificence, power, and manner of life of their
kings; court forms and observances; the royal palaces
and gardens. The second comprises the social
system; the classes of nobles, gentry, plebeians and
slaves; taxation, tenure, and distribution of lands;
vassalage and feudal service; the inner life of the
people; their family and private relations, such as
marriage, divorce, and education of youth; other
matters, such as their dress, food, games, feasts and
dances, knowledge of medicine, and manner of burial.
The third division includes their system of war, their
relations with foreign powers, their warriors and orders
of knighthood, their treatment of prisoners of war and
