Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/537

Rh devised for the benefit of the natives. The conqueror of that period was of different material from the soldier of the present day. He was not a mere machine; he was a great dealer in destiny. He would willingly adventure his life. If he lost, it was well; if he won, it was better. A hundred did lose where one gained, and this each might have known to be the risk had he taken the trouble to make a computation. His life was but one continuous game of hazard; but, if successful, he expected wealth and glory as a just reward.

The king would seldom lend a helping hand in making discoveries and conquests, still, the pacified territory would belong to him. The successful conqueror having surmounted incredible difficulties, having braved dangers and vanquished hostile armies, was nevertheless debarred from claiming actual possession of his conquest; and it was natural he should strive for recompense by some means. Gold was the first prize; but that was soon exhausted; then there were lands and laborers. Slavery was not only unchristian and barbarous, but insufficient; the war or conquest over, there was no further opportunity to make slaves. It was then that the system of repartimientos was resorted to, which, if not slavery in name, was such in fact.

Though harmless enough in theory, the system soon degenerated into one of shameful oppression, the defenceless condition of the natives inciting the adventurers to increased exactions and brutality. Few of the royal cédulas issued since the discovery of the New World failed to contain some clause providing for the better treatment of the Indians. Their inefficiency was proved by the contempt with which the colonists regarded them, and more stringent measures must be taken.

In vain the settlers were offered vast tracts of