Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/759

Rh best results, and deemed it not unreasonable to look forward to a period of peaceful progress which would still further develop their growing prosperity. But they were doomed to disappointment. The count was aman too good for the place. He was too mild, too lenient; he Jacked energy; he was utterly unable to cope with the corrupt officials who as a rule were ever at hand to disgrace the government of New Spain. His inability in this and other respects was increased by the restrictions which had been placed upon viceregal power during the time of Velasco, and by such royal provisions as that permitting the first purchasers of notarial offices to sell them again to the highest bidder, paying one third of the purchase-money into the royal treasury.

Taking advantage of the viceroy's weakness, government servants became more bold; public funds were misappropriated, and_ the venality of the judges was without precedent. Viceroy Enriquez had well known the country and the people, and in order that his successors might profit by his experience, the king had requested him, as we have seen, to write out instructions to serve as a guide for the future viceroys of New Spain. Under the present circumstances these were of little value. Suarez' only remedy lay at court; and in a secret report to the king he set forth the disadvantages under which he labored, the wickedness of the audiencia, and their disregard for his authority. He requested that a visitador be sent from Spain, clothed with sufficient power to chastise the malefactors.

But all was superfluous; the Great Assuager was at hand to deliver the sadly beset count from all his budding troubles. Bowed by the weight of years, and the vexatious duties of his office, he died, June 19, 1582. He left no family to mourn his loss, and the