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248 provisions. The load of maize was then worth five pesos, but the natives from two adjoining towns demanded that it should be sold for less, whereupon the alcalde mayor, Fernando de Bustamante, finally consented to make a reduction of one peso. This, however, did not pacify them, and they immediately seized upon the maize lying in the plaza. Without a sufficient force to support his authority, the alcalde mayor knew that it would be vain to oppose them, and they were allowed to carry off the maize unmolested. About midday, however, noting an increasing excitement among the natives, and fearing an outbreak similar to the one in the capital, he caused a drum to be beaten in the streets as a signal for the Spaniards to muster at the city hall. It was now two o'clock, and but six Spaniards had answered the summons, when a large body of natives gathered around the building, and meeting with no opposition, set fire to it. The alcalde and his companions stood to their post until a reënforcement of twenty citizens enabled them to attack and disperse the rioters. Assistance soon arrived from different points, including a company of cavalry from the capital. Order was restored, and the principal rioters punished; but during the disturbance the greater part of the city hall was destroyed, and one hundred natives and three Spaniards killed.

Quiet was now restored in the capital and throughout the kingdom. On the 16th the cabildo met for