In a memorandum for the guidance of his successor, Enriquez sets forth the difficulties to be encountered by the viceroy. The work that in Spain is divided among several officers, in Mexico has to be done by the viceroy, both in secular and ecclesiastic affairs. He may not ignore any portion nor intrust it to another without incurring obloquy or giving rise to complaint. All look to him for the promotion of their interests and the redress of their grievances; even their family bickerings are brought to him, and nothing but his personal action in each case seems to avail. Indeed, he is expected to be the father of the people, the patron of monasteries and hospitals, the protector of the poor, and particularly of the widows and orphans of the conquerors and the old servants of the king, all of whom would suffer were it not for the relief afforded them by the viceroy.[1] The office was by no means the sinecure that in Spain it was supposed to be.
Experience had taught him the necessity of exacting obedience from the governed, respect from the officers, and of tolerating no bad example among the officials. To hold public office in Mexico, he declared, had come to be unbefitting an honest man.[2] Enriquez himself had done fairly well. He maintained at all times cordial relations with the oidores, and recommended the same course to his successor, to strengthen the hands of the government.[3] He fos-
- ↑ In 1576 much stress was laid on the situation of Bernardino de Albornoz, 70 years old, very poor, and with many marriageable daughters; he had been many years a faithful servant of the crown, as commander of the arsenal and as royal treasurer. It was thought the king should reward the old man so that he could marry off one or more of his daughters. The viceroy uses quaint language. 'V. M. será seruido de hazelle alguna merced con que pueda echar alguna hijade su casa.' Enriquez, Carta al Rey., in Cartas de Indias, 332.
- ↑ 'Por lo cual suelo yo decir, que, gobemar á esta tierra, lo tengo por infelicidad en un hombre honrado.' Henriquez, Instruc., in Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., iii. 480-99.
- ↑ The crown had, July 4, 1570, directed the oidores to obey all orders of the viceroy, even if not meeting with their approval, unless they were evidently of a nature to bring on a revolt or other disturbance in the country. Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., xviii. 435-7.
servants than were actually indispensable. Prov. Real., in Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., xix. 32-5.
