Page:Mexico and its reconstruction.djvu/167

Rh of the Indian communities, and the disposal of "unoccupied lands" by the government.

Many of the great estates in Mexico arise from a characteristic common to many countries of Spanish civilization. Wealth is considered by the local society to be synonymous with landed property. Extensive real estate holdings give a family position to a greater extent than other forms of capital. The preference does not depend only on the belief that real estate is less disturbed by revolution than industrial property. It is due, also, to tradition. There can be no doubt that many of the large estates, because of their very size, have been a burden to their owners and that smaller areas could have been better administered and made to yield a better net return. Of the three elements above mentioned this is, however, the least important.

The Spanish land policy included the granting to the Indian villages of certain areas, called ejidos, which were held in common. This practice was inherited, and for a generation continued, by the republic. In the law of June 25, 1856, steps were taken for the distribution of community lands in lots of the value of $200 or less. No measures were taken, however, to insure that the new proprietors should be instructed how to cultivate their lands to the best advantage, nor was legislation enacted to prevent the prompt alienation of their holdings. As a result, a measure intended to stimulate