Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/315

Rh Nevertheless, though rogues fell out honest men did not receive their dues; the oidores, freed of Guzman's rivalry, kept the shameless tenor of their course, reckless of the reckoning-day. The Spanish government had received the petition instigated b the audiencia and praying that Cortés should not be allowed to return to New Spain, but with it was the representation forwarded by Pedro de Alvarado, as well as letters from many of those who had signed the first of these documents, making it evident that they had done so under compulsion. Then came the letter of Zumárraga and the clergy, which the bishop managed to smuggle into Spain concealed within a hollow wooden image sent by a faithful retainer with the pretence that he wished to show them at home the advancement made by the natives in sculpture. This letter Zumárraga had read to other prominent clergymen who signed it jointly with him. In it were given details of the audiencia's misrule, and the statement was made that, to secure the prosperity of the people and the propagation of the faith, there was needed an upright man both able and willing to comprehend the condition of the country and shape aright its destinies. It was shown that New Spain was given over to disorder; that the hatred of the president and oidores, displayed on all occasions toward Cortés and those who sustained him, resulted from envy and avarice alone; that the clergy were not only unable to aid Spaniard or Indian, but were powerless to save even themselves from persecution. In conclusion, the writers disclaimed all motive for their complaint other than the greater glory of God and the desire of loyal subjects to serve the crown.