Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/550

530 other unaccustomed tasks, accompanied by continuous and persistent bad treatment, might easily accomplish. Before the great epidemic, that is to say on the 8th of August 1544, a royal decree was issued on the recommendation of the viceroy and the ecclesiastical cabildo, which commanded the natives to pay tithes of cattle, grain, and silk. It becoming now impossible to collect these tithes, and even the ordinary tribute, it was ordered April 10, 1546, that a reduction be allowed. But the amount was not fixed, the royal officials being requested to use their judgment, and not demand more than the natives could pay.

As time passed by the business and social relations of the viceroy and visitador were becoming somewhat unpleasant. It was generally conceded that Mendoza represented his Majesty well — though we might catalogue a few crimes against him without searching far — and to have present a superior to interfere in his affairs, even though temporarily and for form's sake, was not desirable.

On the whole Mendoza was well enough fitted for the office he held and was deserving of credit in the conscientious discharge of his duties, though often at the cost of the natives. The course taken in connection with Visitador Tello and the new laws had the effect of preserving peace. But the ends of justice were not served, and the proceedings were not in accordance with the wishes of the crown. Many a law in its first application is like the surgeon's knife, wounding deeply to make the cure more complete; and though these new laws were humane and just, their ultimate good effect was lost sight of in the present inconveniences which an immediate enforcement would have caused. But though a just man and a good officer, it was not possible for the viceroy to avoid