Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/541

Rh king, and enjoyed therefore a certain independence, acting in a degree as spies on one another and on their superiors. This policy of subdivision of authority and mutual watch, which could not fail to strengthen the control of the supreme government, was prompted partly by the distance of the colonies, and precipitated by the ambition and quarrelsome disposition of the early governors. Whenever unsatisfactory reports came in concerning any governor or magistrate, the India Council, or its higher representatives, at once despatched a visitador to hold investigation and submit the result, although at times he had power to carry out reforms and penalties on the spot. Usually, however, the only investigation needed was the residencia demanded at the end of his term from every official with any jurisdiction.

Municipal government was vested chiefly in alcaldes and regidores, of whom large cities had two and twelve respectively, and ordinary towns two and six. In minor places many of these offices remained vacant, partly owing to the interference of governors and their lieutenants who wished to retain sole control. In other places the alcaldes were mere figure-heads. At the founding of a town the municipality was elected for one year; after that the regidor positions in most places were sold, always with preference for meritorious persons and descendants of conquerors. The duties of the alcalde, who could appoint asesores to aid him, was to take cognizance in first instance of criminal and civil cases, appeals being made to city council, alcalde mayor, governor, or audiencia. He