Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 1.djvu/127

Rh In the present order of things, the limits of the old Intendancies have often served to regulate the number of the States, of which the new Republics are composed. In all questions respecting the interests of the revenue, the Intendentes possessed very extensive powers, and, as their appointment emanated from the Council of the Indies, without the concurrence of the Viceroy, in their own province, they were almost independent.

The command of the troops was vested in the Viceroy in person, who regulated the military operations, and filled up all vacancies; it being understood, that promotions made by him would receive the King's sanction. He was assisted, in this part of his duties, by a Council of war, (Junta de guerra,) as he was, in all judicial questions, by a Fiscal, or legal adviser, to whom the law of the case was referred: all sentences of every kind bore his signature, nor was there any appeal from his decision.

To each, and all, of these great officers, (not excepting the viceregal dignity,) all the subjects of the crown were alike eligible, without any distinction between Americans and Europeans. Indeed, there is hardly any point upon which the laws of the Indies insist so frequently, or so strongly, as this equality, as may be seen by a reference to the Recopilaciones.

Such is the outline of that mighty fabric, by which the authority of Spain, in the New World, was