Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/521

Rh Another of Marquina's acts showing his humane disposition was the release of English prisoners at Vera Cruz. He had seen the Spanish prisoners suffer at Jaimaca,Jamaica, [sic] and by this generous step obtained the release of his countrymen from the governor of that island. Reforms were made in the police system, and strict measures were taken to enforce the ordinances passed by Revilla Gigedo and Azanza, by which the plebeians were prohibited to present themselves in public unless decently clad, all such offenders being thenceforth treated as vagrants. Though this measure was considered tyrannical, its enforcement meeting with great obstacles, it is claimed to have had a very salutary effect. The regulations of the various guilds of Mexico excluded women, and prohibited them from engaging in any labor or industry of which they claimed a monopoly. Marquina's predecessor had fully recognized the injustice of this social tyranny, and declared by an ordinance of April 22, 1799, that women should be free to employ their time in any labor suited to their strength and the decorum of their sex. This ordinance was now reiterated and enforced.