CHAPTER II.
QUARREL OF THE VICEROY AND ARCHBISHOP.
1621-1624.
Appointment of Gelves — His Energetic and Extensive Reforms — Which are Forced also on the Clergy — Hostility of Gaviria and the Regidores — Archibishop Serna Roused — Moral Laxity in New Spain — Arrest of Varaez — Serna Interferes — The Viceroy is Excommunicated — Attitude of the Oidores — The Papal Delegate Plays a Part — More Anathemas — The Prelate Forces Himself into the Presence of the Audiencia — He is Exiled and Carried Away — Imprisonment of Repentant Oidores — A Mexican A Becket.
While not aware how wide-spread was the disorder in New Spain, the newly enthroned Felipe IV. felt convinced that reform was needed, and looked about for a man whose character and attainments should fit him for the task of restoring order. Such a one soon presented himself in the person of Diego Carrillo de Mendoza y Pimentel, second son of the marquis of Tavara, himself conde de Priego and marqués de Gelves.[1] For many years the marquis had governed Aragon, and was actually a member of the council of war. In the discharge of these high trusts his rectitude and love of justice had been proven, while personal valor was common to those of his princely house. At the same time the long habit of command had developed a disinclination to brook any question of his authority, especially where the extent of his jurisdiction was concerned, and advancing age, for
- ↑ He was also a knight of Santiago, holding the commandery of Villanueva de la Fuente.
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