Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/561

Rh subjects, such as finance, Indians, the poor, and these last had to be given as much preference as possible. They had also special duties which brought additional revenue, and these were the mo.st acceptable; for considering the dignity to be sustained, their pay of four thousand five hundred pesos was small. They took in turn the posts of judges of appeal from different subcourts, and could also accept missions to investigate and supervise departments in county and town. These missions were independent of the tours of inspection which an oidor had to perform every three years, or oftener if decreed expedient, accompanied by the clerk of the court and other officials, for holding investigation into civil, criminal, and ecclesiastical matters. A liberal sum was allowed him for expenses, since no gifts even of provisions could be accepted.

A number of laws prescribed the ceremonies with which the dignity of this high tribunal should be upheld. Their court chamber itself had an imposing appearance. At the further end rose a dais covered with rich carpets under a canopy of damask garnished with gold lace. Here stood the velvet-covered chair with footstool for the viceroy. On either side sat the oidores, the regente and eldest member nearest. A little lower were seats on both sides for the attorney-general, high sheriff, counsel for the poor, protector and defender of Indians, and lawyers having cases before the court. The nobility and city