Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/543

Rh possible the execution of the new ordinances, and _retain their encomiendas, the visitador landed at Vera Cruz and reached the city of Mexico March 8, 1544. On the morning of the third day a number of representative encomenderos, and a notary, presented themselves with a petition praying for the non-publication of the new code; but they met with a severe reprimand for their temerity in taking such a step before the visitador had delivered his credentials to the audiencia. That same day Tello gave them a hearing, however, and fearing evil consequences from sudden and decisive action, quieted them with ambiguous promises.

Nevertheless, on the 13th, Tello presented the ordinances to the viceroy and the audiencia, and notwithstanding all the remonstrances on the part of interested colonists, the new laws were published in the city of Mexico, March 24, 1544. This unexpected proceeding on the part of the authorities caused much indignation among the encomenderos, and a tumultuous demonstration, headed by the chief proctor, Antonio Carbajal, was about to be made; but the people were diverted from their purpose by a call to a meeting at the cathedral for the following day by Bishop Zumárraga. There, in a lengthy discourse, the prelate led the Spanish settlers to hope that the new laws would not be enforced where found to be detrimental to their interests. This partially quieted them. On questioning the religious orders as to their opinions regarding the expediency of continuing the system of encomiendas, Tello was surprised to find that they all sided with the encomenderos.