Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/442

442 was largely augmented by the cost of the defences of the port of Vera Cruz, the depot at Perote, and the foundry at Tacubaya. The expense at Vera Cruz closely approached $1,500,000, and that at Anton Lizardo exceeded $1,250,000. I have no record of the rest.

The expense, in 1789, for troops, including $98,316 for the naval station of San Blas, is stated to have been $2,594,681 out of a total paid by the treasury during the year of $3,424,995. The military budget for 1805 had risen to $3,500,000, to which must be added $500,000 more for arsenals, fortifications, etc. In 1809 the outlay is given at the same round figures, four million dollars. A regular system of pensions had also been established in Mexico and the rest of America to conform with that of old Spain, except in the amounts. A royal order of September 29, 1761, authorized the foundation of the montepío militar, out of which was to be paid to the widows and orphans, or, should there be none, to the mothers of army or navy officers serving and dying in America, a yearly allowance, according to the pay of the officer at the time of decease. In 1773 were issued rules for the uniform observance of that decree, and the rates of yearly allowance, as well as the amount to be deducted from each officer's pay to swell the montepio fund, were fixed.