Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/696

676 to the correction of abuses, and succeeded in bringinof about a more healthy condition of the royal treasury, which in 1673 was free from debt. Mancera during his rule increased the revenue $213,000 a year. But this improved state of affairs did not last long. Viceroy Linares in 1716 thus describes the condition of the exchequer and his own position: "The royal treasury is administered like a bankrupt merchant's estate, and the viceroys, playing the part corresponding to that of the assignees, only liquidate the most urgent debts."

In 1765 the revenue amounted to $6,130,314, and in 1790 to $19,400,213; yet with this ever increasing income proportionately increasing demands were made, and Mexico had to bear the burden of wars and the support of sister colonies. But it was during the wars with the English and French that the greatest strain was put upon her. Not only had the colonists to pay increased taxes, but their patriotism was appealed to, loans were raised, and voluntary contributions solicited.

When Viceroy Branciforte entered upon his administration in 1794 he found the treasury exhausted and the sources of supply apparently stopped. But he immediately effected a loan from the commercial