Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/125

Rh and eventually on the death of his elder brother Joaquin succeeded him as cura of Dolores, a town at that time of 18,000 souls, yielding him a stipend of from 10,000 to $12,000. Here he devoted himself to a variety of occupations, independent of his clerical duties, and congenial with tastes acquired in his boyhood on his father's hacienda. He established a porcelain factory, improved the cultivation of the vine, planted mulberry trees, and grew silk-worms. But his mind was not satisfied with industrial pursuits and experiments alone. The seclusion of his library often won him from more practical life, and there he studied the sciences and political economy, perused French philosophical works, and investigated the doctrines propounded in unorthodox books. It was during these years of self-education that he acquired those enlightened views which enabled him to recognize the injustice which marked both the ecclesiastical and temporal governments, and caused him to look with indignation upon the warped tenets and proceedings of the church, and with detestation upon the despotism exercised by the state.

Hidalgo was a brave and determined man; he was a pleasant conversationalist, and, though quick-tempered, had an obliging and kindly disposition. The interest which he took in the welfare of his flock by the development of industries and his lavish expenditure of money on such enterprises gained for him