resources on which permanent progress and prosperity could alone be based. Having subdued the people, Cortés bent his mind to reconciling them to the new order of affairs. He would win Ceres to his cause, and conquer also the soil with a new vegetation, multiply the wealth of a prolific region, and with this alluring bond combine two races and different products into one harmonious whole. It was to be his grander and more enduring conquest, this healing of wounds after a merciless war, this adjustment of differences. Cruelty, intolerance, and avarice were still rampant, but they were now to be softened to some extent, neutralized by blessings which in many respects condoned for the bitter wrongs of unjust invasion.
The salient features of the administrative policy of Cortés are given in the famous ordinances of March 20, 1524. We may therein recognize the training received by the framer as student and lawyer, in his native country, and later as notary and alcalde; at first appearing as mere hillocks in his plain of life; as points whereby to measure its progress; later, evolving into stepping-stones to greatness, adding their quota to the wisdom and foresight which now mark the adjustment of means to ends. Protection being still the main consideration, the ordinances begin by requiring all settlers possessed of a repartimiento of less than five hundred Indians to provide themselves, within six months from date, with a lance, a sword, and a dagger, a target, a helmet, and either native or Spanish defensive armor, all in good condition; also two pikes and the necessary ammunition. Holders of repartimientos with from five hundred to one thousand Indians must within a twelvemonth possess in addition a horse fully equipped. Still larger holders must add three lances, six pikes, four cross-bows or fire-locks, and the necessary ammunition. This was by no means a small requirement when prices are considered.[1] The
- ↑ For prices, see Gomara, Hist. Mex., 243; Probanza de Lejalde, in Icazbalceta, Col. Doc., ii. 121.
