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148 on the ground that its enforcement would have deprived the settlers of means of subsistence, given cause for revolt, and discouraged immigration. The royal revenue would fail, conversion would cease, and the country itself might be lost. So general were the remonstrances that with the advice of the India Council the prohibition was withdrawn and servitude confirmed.

Even while assured in the possession of their serfs, the conquerors had still grievances enough in connection with the terms, and especially the amount and nature of the distribution. Indeed, with so many claimants, 1t was impossible to satisfy the expectations and caprices of all. The favored few were naturally declared by the dissatisfied many to be less deserving of reward than they. Nor were these accusations altogether unjust, for besides securing to himself large and choice rewards, Cortés gave freely to recently arrived friends, who had taken no part in the conquest, and to others whom policy made it advisable to court. Leading natives were also propitiated with a share. The conditions of the grant required the holder to pledge himself to an eight years' residence in the country in order to assure the interest both of crown and natives. This was readily evaded by obtaining deputies and leave of absence, while many made use of their grant merely to exchange or sell it. Further, the holder must build a house at the place of