Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/171

Rh under their ancient laws, and even exported to the islands to perish miserably under hardships and climatic ravages. Motolinia alludes to the inhuman treatment of slaves in the mines, and the consequent mortality, as the sixth plague of Mexico, and he joins in the representations made to the king against the abuse of Indians, particularly the removal from their native districts. To present this the more forcibly it was pointed out that by depriving the chiefs of too many slaves they would be made unable to pay the required tribute.

The main representations came from the council of friars and officials held at Mexico in September 1526, in accordance with the instructions brought by Ponce de Leon, and among the remedies proposed were the appointment of inspectors to watch over the strict observance of the laws protecting Indians, and the grant of encomiendas im perpetuity to meritorious men, who should be held responsible for the good treatment of their vassals. By thus assuring the possession of the grant, the holder would feel an interest to preserve the health and lives of those belonging to him. For this reason also the tenure of towns and lands by the crown was not advisable, since the population either neglected to produce tributable effects, or were despoiled and oppressed by different