Page:Here and there in Yucatan - miscellanies (IA herethereinyucat00lepl 0).djvu/113

, the Mayas adopted this mode of life from inclination, being as absolutely free from greed of wealth as are their unfortunate and degraded descendants.

The Incas ordained that one-third of the land should be dedicated to the sun; that is to say, to the maintainance of the temples and priesthood. One-third was for all government expenses, public works, etc.; including the support of the royal family, of the army, and to fill the public granaries kept for cases of emergency. The remaining third of the land was divided among the people in equal shares: none could by any means whatsoever augment his property. A topo of land was granted to every male child, half a topo to every female, one topo and a half being considered sufficient for the support of a man and wife. Marriage was obligatory at a certain age; and as a topo or half topo was added to the property at the birth of each child, an increase of family did not make parents dread poverty for their offspring. Once every year additional land was bestowed upon those having a right to it. At the death of any individual, child or adult, the property reverted to the commonwealth. There were no capitalists, no monopolies; consequently no great enterprises except those undertaken by the