Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/402

382 well aware of the necessity of extending to them protection, he advised the repeal of the laws. The excessive difficulties encountered in legislating for the benefit of the natives are aptly represented by Mendoza, who considered that the numerous experiments tried were enough to drive them to insanity.

Apart from the administration of political affairs the viceroy was occupied in carrying out improvements in the city of Mexico, and providing means of defence against outside and inside attack. The second audiencia had already executed certain works beneficial to the comfort of the inhabitants, such as the introduction of water into different parts of the capital, and the substitution of stone bridges for wooden ones. The aqueduct from Chapultepec to the city had also been begun by order of the oidores. The continuance of these improvements under a viceroy, and the prospects for the future of stability in the government, had naturally an effect upon the value of city real estate; and Mendoza informs the king, on the 10th of December, 1537, that rents and property had doubled in value since his arrival. The defensive