Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/39

Rh, and from tribute for ten years, all hitherto unsubdued Indians who voluntarily gave allegiance to church and king. It was a measure well calculated to aid the missionaries and to promote a peaceful conquest. In the settled regions on the other hand we find a contrast in the confirmation of encomiendas to the third and fourth life.

The execution of reform measures was by no means easy, but Velasco sought to do his duty, and though exercising no undue severity he brought upon himself the hostility of a large class. His friendly feeling toward the natives is displayed in several recommendations, notably that of giving to them all the land required, leaving only the balance to Spaniards. His zeal was not overlooked, for in 1609 he received the title of marqués de Salinas, and two years later promotion to the presidency of the India Council. So distinguished a preferment could not be refused, and he set sail for Spain June 12, 1611, leaving behind the reputation of a wise and humane ruler, against whom the only objection may be an excessive leniency which served well for the time, but left the seed of future troubles.

As his entry into the government had been preceded by a comet, to which his successful rule lent a favorable significance, so his departure was attended by an eclipse of the sun; and the terror which this phenomenon inspired received fresh impulse two months later from an earthquake whereby a number of