Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/39

Rh unlike that of Marquina, most flattering and obsequious. The festivities, begun in the former place, were continued in the latter with the customary processions and bull-fights. This unchecked privilege of the populace, in such agreeable contrast with the unwelcome prohibitions of the former viceory, combined with the gracious deportment of Iturrigaray and the affable demeanor of his stately spouse, gained him at once the favor of the people. Erelong, however, it was discovered that his condescension was but a cloak to less worthy traits of character. Branciforte's corruption was barefaced; dissimulation under a fascinating exterior was the prominent feature in Iturrigaray's character.

The family of the viceroy consisted of his wife, Dona Inés de Jáuregui y Arístegui, who although no longer young possessed many attractions, a grown up son, several younger children, and a numerous train of relatives, all bent on amassing fortunes. This was also the dominating passion of Iturrigaray, whose first act on taking charge of the government was to defraud the crown. Following the example of Branciforte, he had obtained a royal decree before his departure from the peninsula, permitting him to in troduce free of duty into New Spain unfinished family apparel. Under this pretence he landed a cargo of merchandise at Vera Cruz, which he sold in that port, netting an enormous profit. Moreover, he at once began a system of sale of offices and employments on his own account, and by an abominable venality established for his benefit an impost on quicksilver,