Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/562

542 received seats according to precedence, when called by business. Still lower were places for notaries and solicitors. Opposite to the oidores sat the clerk of the court and relator, and behind them was the wooden railing which separated the assembly from the common people. For the latter no seats were provided, and they were required to uncover their heads and speak only in lowest whisper. Lawyers and others also bared their heads on addressing: the court; and when the counsel was supposed to have sufficiently discussed a point his harangue was cut short.

As a body the audiencia used to receive the señoria title, and the oidores that of su merced, your worship. Later the señoria was extended to them also. Military honors were accorded by the guard, and at church the prebendaries escorted them from the door and tendered holy water. This treatment was granted to them only as a body; nor could they enjoy it very often, for their visits to church, officially, were restricted to certain feast-days. Private parties and entertainments, even attendance at funerals, were forbidden to them; in fact any social intercourse whereby friendships might be formed to influence their minds as judges. As for securing a good marriage within their districts for a son or daughter, this was out of the question. No near relative of an oidor could be appointed to the magistracy within his district, or plead before him as an advocate; so said the law, though it was frequently overruled. Certain of these strictures and honors applied also to lawyers. At first forbidden to enter the country, they had at last to be endured, and now rejoiced in the possession of a royal college for drilling recruits. Besides sporting gauze