Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/600

580 rich lodes of San Luis Potosí, and of Zacatecas, in 1548.

From the first, the development of mines had met with the favor of the crown; and franchises and privileges contributed to swell the number of adventurers, who strove to acquire immediate wealth. The great conqueror, Cortés himself, had set the example, by separating for his own share valuable tracts of metalliferous land, and many were eager to secure a similar chance of prosperity. Contrary to the usual policy, the government generously refrained from appropriating to itself the exploitation. Nominally the mines belonged to the crown, but since 152G they were practically made common property, in so far as with (certain formalities all free inhabitants, indiscriminately, whether Spaniards or natives, were entitled to work them. Only certain officials were excluded to prevent abuses, and friars and priests were not allowed to be interested in mining schemes. In later years, rewards were fixed for the discovery of new mines, and orders issued to the viceroys to foster exploitations in every possible way. Mining implements, supplies, and slaves of the proprietors of mines could not be attached unless for debts to the crown, and executions could be levied only against the