Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. II.djvu/193

169 SECOND VOYAGE 169 justification may be found in the spirit of the age, chapter and in the practice of the Portuguese particularly, ^— but which entered still more largely into the colo- nial legislation of Spain under later princes. The new territories, far from being permitted free inter- course with foreign nations, were opened only under strict limitations to Spanish subjects, and were re- served, as forming, in some sort, part of the exclu- sive revenue of the crown. All persons of whatever description were interdicted, under the severest penalties, from trading with, or even visiting the Indies, without license from the constituted author- ities. It was impossible to evade this, as a minute specification of the ships, cargoes, crews, with the property appertaining to each individual, was re- quired to be taken at the office in Cadiz, and a corresponding registration in a similar office estab- lished at Hispaniola. A more sagacious spirit was Preparations ••■ ^ -"^ for a second manifested in the ample provision made of what- ^o>=^e. ever could contribute to the support or permanent prosperity of the infant colony. Grain, plants, the seeds of numerous vegetable products, which in the genial climate of the Indies might be made valuable articles for domestic consumption or export, were liberally furnished. Commodities of every descrip- tion for the supply of the fleet were exempted from duty. The owners of all vessels throughout the ports of Andalusia were required, by an ordinance somewhat arbitrary, to hold them in readiness for the expedition. Still further authority was given to impress both officers and men, if necessary, into the service. Artisans of every sort, provided with VOL. II. 22.