Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 1.djvu/365

Rh Tithes complained of; and this not proceeding from the ruin of the great Haciendas alone, but from the dissemination of ideas unfavourable to the rights of the Church. In the extensive Diocese of Michoacan, (Valladolid,) the tithes, during the two last years, have not exceeded 200,000 dollars, in lieu of 500,000 dollars, which they averaged before 1808. This may be partly owing to the administration of the Church revenues having been long in the hands of the Cathedral Chapter, which can never possess an influence over the common people, equal to that exercised by a resident Bishop, supported by all the pomp, with which the great dignitaries of the church are surrounded: but it cannot be denied that there is a spirit abroad in Mexico, which will render it difficult for the higher Clergy to retain that affluence which they formerly enjoyed.

A more equal distribution, at least, of the wealth now engrossed by a few, will be one of the first consequences of the interference of the Congress in Ecclesiastical affairs; and it is highly to be desired that, in this respect, some reform should take place; for in many Dioceses, where the revenues of the Bishop amounted to 100,000 or 120,000 dollars, there were Curas (Parish priests) who vegetated upon a pittance of 100, or 120 dollars in the year.

The sources from which the incomes of the Parish priests are derived likewise require investigation, and reform.

No provision being made for them by the State,