Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/520

504 among the fallen institutions was the inquisition, which had so long cast its shadow over the land. Not content with opposing heresy, bigamy, and the like, and indorsing the existence of witchcraft by its dread cognizance, it had of late devoted special attention to repelling the invasion of modern philosophic thought and scientific investigation, by restricting publications and persecuting students. The suppression was hailed with unfeigned delight, and the inquisitors responded with admirable promptness to the popular will, surrendering the records and property without subterfuge. The estates and bonds alone, not counting allowances from churches and other sources, amounted to a million and a fifth of pesos, which went to swell the national resources.

The Indians were deprived of their protective fiscales and governors, and, ignored as a representative body, rather suffered than gained by the reform movement; of the promise of land distribution and freedom from personal service there was no indication of fulfilment. Another revolutionary reform was the suppression of the acordada, which had proved so efficient in checking brigandage and robbery, and of the less valuable police, established with much care and expenditure under Venegas; while the primary administration of justice in the capital, hitherto confided to thirty-two subordinates, alcaldes, and others, was now surrendered to six elected judges, as aids