was but an upstart adventurer with a somewhat soiled record, whose later questionable achievements must be regarded with due caution. Then there were ever at hand those who made it their business to defame that merit in others which they themselves lacked. It was his misfortune to be one of a doubtful horde; and the crown was at a loss whether to treat him as such, or as his services deserved. Its intentions in the main were good, but it lacked the power of omnipotence to enforce them.
For those of lesser pretensions the Spanish authorities entertained benevolent regard, being desirous of rewarding those who had served well; therefore orders were given to assist disabled soldiers with pensions, while others were directed to send in an account of their claims and services, so that they might be compensated.[1] Meanwhile their repartimientos were confirmed to them, and exemption was granted for several years from a number of taxes, with reductions in others.[2] The crown was further pleased to assure the colonists that New Spain should never be alienated from Castile.[3]
The most powerful impulse to settlement in Spanish America was undoubtedly the systems of repar-
- ↑ Ordenanza, in Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., xxvi. 147-8. The repartition of spoils so far made among them was not yet confirmed, however, owing to the doubts cast upon it. Mex., Extractos de Cédulas, MS., 1.
- ↑ During the first two years they were to pay the crown but one tenth of the gold obtained by mining; the next year one ninth, and so forth till the regulation fifth was reached. Herrera, dec. iii. lib. v. cap. iii.; lib. viii. cap. xiv. This was revoked, and in 1526 the municipality of Mexico petitioned for a fresh exemption in order to encourage mining. Libro de Cabildo, MS., November 10, 1526. For six years exemption was granted from all taxes on victuals and provisions produced in New Spain, and all persons importing provisions and goods for their own account were exempted from almojarifazgo, or other royal duties. For eight years the settlers were free of alcabala and other taxes on internal trade. In 1530 the almojarifazgo exemption was extended for five years to immigrants from Spain. Mex., Extractos de Cédulas, MS., 11. Traders paid 712 per cent, a figure which varied greatly in course of time. Fines and similar dues were given to the towns for ten years to assist them in constructing roads. Fonseca, Hist. Hacienda, iii. 458. A revocation of this gift was protested against. Libro de Cabildo, MS., August 31, 1526.
- ↑ Reaffirmed in cédula of March 12, 1524. Id., 4.
