Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/519

Rh A similar result obtained in the formation of the provincial assembly. According to the constitution, each intendencia could regard itself as a province and choose its own assembly; but the definition not being very clear, the intendencias united to elect one body for the whole country. At the election of deputies to the córtes in Spain, each intendencia acted for itself. Owing to the wide control of the insurgents, the representation of one for every seventy thousand souls was attained only in certain provinces, and here the Indians were almost wholly disregarded, and the Europeans nearly so, mestizos joining the creoles in controlling the choice which fell mainly on ecclesiastics and lawyers. When the time came for sending the deputies, the viceroy declared that no funds could be spared for their expenses; they who wished to go must do so at their own cost. Only a few could afford to undertake the journey, and so the representation faded to a shadow.

The change in the administration of justice began in May. Special tribunals were abolished with a few exceptions, such as army and church, and the audiencia was deprived of extra-judicial privileges.