Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/292

272 with a brief description of the operations of the latter until it was abolished early in the nineteenth century.

As early as 1553 highwaymen had become so troublesome that for the security of the public roads the Santa hermandad was established in New Spain. This force originated in Spain at an early date, and was composed of bands of associated citizens or brothers—as the name implies—who, unassisted by the government, patrolled the highways as a protection against bandits and robbers, and as a check against the lawlessness of the aristocracy. The utility of such armed bodies, and the benefits which peaceful persons and communities derived from their vigilance, gained for them various privileges from the kings of Spain, as well as the distinguishing title of holy brotherhood. In time they became a recognized power in the land, and laws were promulgated conferring on them a certain jurisdiction, and defining their duties. In 1498 the original system of confederated associations was abolished, owing to the establishment of better order in the kingdom, and the santa hermandad was converted into a police force and tribunal. An organized court of the santa hermandad was presided over by two alcaldes, and was composed of a proportionate number of alguaciles and the officers of the patrol parties. It had the power to arrest malefactors and try them. In 1631 a royal cédula was issued ordering the appointment of alcaldes de la hermandad in all cities and towns of the Indies. These officers were distinguished by the name of provinciales.

But little is known of the operations of the santa hermandad in New Spain down to the end of the