CHAPTER XVIII.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A VICEREGAL GOVERNMENT.
1535-1537.
Appointment of Mendoza — His Instructions and Prerogatives — Arrival and Reception of the First Viceroy — Inaugural Ceremonies — Retirement of the Oidores — Difficulties of the Administration — City Improvements — Defensive Measures — Apparent Weakness of the Spaniards — Proclivities and Condition of Negroes — Their Conspiracy and its Suppression — Muster of Spaniards in the Capital.
The sad failures attending the governing of this distant world which the Genoese had found and the Estremaduran had conquered, led Charles to bethink himself of other means. Would not a miniature court, having about it the sacred smell of royalty, the very embodiment of imperial power and prerogative, awe the turbulent spirits of New Spain into more courteous submission? And so it was determined that a viceroyalty would be the proper thing in this region.
Acting in accordance, therefore, with the wishes of his Majesty, who was in Flanders, the queen proceeded to select a person qualified both by birth and ability to fill so high a position. Her first choice fell upon the conde de Oropesa, who, however, under various pretexts declined the offer, as did also the mariscal de Fromesta. She next tendered the appointment to Manuel Benavides, but his exorbitant demands with respect to the power to be vested in him, and supplies of money, induced her Majesty to withdraw the nomination. The position was lastly offered to Antonio de Mendoza, who though he accepted it was detained
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