Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/548

528 that the candidate should owe nothing to the treasury. He must tender oath for faithful and loyal performance of duty, give bonds in many cases, and in certain instances inventory of estate. In term offices a certain period must elapse ere the same person could be reappointed. While lieutenants could be chosen by governors and others in different towns, office could not be held by substitutes without special permission, nor could they be resigned in favor of another. The pay varied greatly even for similar offices according to location and wealth of districts. Temporary holders, till removed or confirmed, received merely half pay when it fell below a fair amount. It was clearly specified to whom salaries should come from the royal treasury, and who should receive their pay from fines, fees, and other sources. Payments were made three times a year, in silver—gold being reserved for Spain —the time counting from date of taking possession, although several obtained pay from the day of leaving Spain. To some advances were made for travelling expenses. Certain deductions served to form a pension fund for widows and orphans of those who died in office, and others in form of media anata went to the king. The civil pension