Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/165

Rh was but an upstart adventurer with a somewhat soiled record, whose later questionable achievements must be regarded with due caution. Then there were ever at hand those who made it their business to defame that merit in others which they themselves lacked. It was his misfortune to be one of a doubtful horde; and the crown was at a loss whether to treat him as such, or as his services deserved. Its intentions in the main were good, but it lacked the power of omnipotence to enforce them.

For those of lesser pretensions the Spanish authorities entertained benevolent regard, being desirous of rewarding those who had served well; therefore orders were given to assist disabled soldiers with pensions, while others were directed to send in an account of their claims and services, so that they might be compensated. Meanwhile their repartimientos were confirmed to them, and exemption was granted for several years from a number of taxes, with reductions in others. The crown was further pleased to assure the colonists that New Spain should never be alienated from Castile.

The most powerful impulse to settlement in Spanish America was undoubtedly the systems of