Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/345

Rh now free to all, but no gold having been obtained, except from natives, the royal intent was defeated; it was ordered, therefore, that the privilege should be annulled. Frauds against the treasury, in non-payment of tribute, secretion of moneys, and unauthorized loans, must be investigated, and in order to protect the custom-house revenue the three crown-officers were to reside at Vera Cruz, each in turn, an, conjointly with a regidor and the justice of that city, appraise all cargoes in the presence of a notary.

Meanwhile fresh complaints of Guzman and the oidores continued to arrive, until it seemed that their sole aim had been to disobey every instruction given to them. The newly appointed oidores had been for some time at Seville, and were now hurried away. They sailed on the 16th of September, 1530, with orders to touch at Santo Domingo so that their president might join them, but on account of stormy weather they were unable to obey these instructions, and landed at Vera Cruz at the end of the year. With them went several persons appointed to office, and others on whom the emperor had conferred honors for distinguished services. The report of the coming of the new audiencia, so long expected in Mexico, had been