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104 some unfair mode of turning the advantages of their situation to account.

The distribution of quicksilver, which was a Royal monopoly, was, in Mexico, one source of these illegal profits.

The sale of titles, and distinctions, which the King usually granted at their recommendation, was another; but the most lucrative of all, was the power of granting licenses for the introduction of any article of foreign produce, during a limited period, to which I have already alluded: for these, enormous sums were paid by the great commercial houses of Mexico, and Veracruz; or a share in the profits of the speculation was given to the Viceroy's agent, without any participation in the risk. This system of dilapidation, beginning with the chief, extended through every branch of the government; the inferior offices swarmed with hangers on, and candidates for preferment, all Europeans, and all expecting, by means best known to themselves, to make a rapid fortune. That these expectations were not disappointed, may be inferred from the fact, that, under the administration of the Prince of Peace, government situations, even without a salary, were in great request, and were found to be a sure road to affluence.

The complaints of the Creoles, and the endeavours