Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/524

504 Many expedients provided by Marquina were disapproved by the home government, especially in cases of appointments, a matter in which he always proceeded with the greatest care, to satisfy himself that he neglected not his duty to the crown. The disappointment which he felt in not seeing his loyal intentions appreciated, induced him early in 1802 to resign in disgust an office which he tried in vain to fill to the satisfaction of the people and his king. The resignation was promptly accepted, and in January, 1803, he delivered the baton of office into the hands of his successor. Although he was not a capable ruler, the government of New Spain had never been intrusted to purer hands, and his departure was regretted by many who had learned to respect in him the good qualities which had drawn forth the ridicule of the vulgar.

Never was an able viceroy more sorely needed at the head of affairs than at the opening of the nineteenth century. Discontent and impatience of home rule were openly expressed throughout the provinces, and the distant moaning of the storm which was soon to burst over Spanish America could already be distinctly heard. It was a favorite maxim of Re villa Gigedo the younger that the first duty of a Spaniard was gratitude to the mother country. It must be confessed, however, that she was an exceedingly selfish parent. The burden of excessive imposts, and the vexatious restrictions on commerce and industries, which became her settled policy, fell heavily on the colonies. Crowds of indolent and dishonest officials lived in luxury,at the public expense, and helped themselves from the public purse. The viceroys at this time received a salary more than twice as large as