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750 by the viceregal government for the exchange of amalgam into coin had ceased to be supplied, which caused a great depreciation in the price obtained for it. At the same time the imposts on this industry were not only fully sustained, but exemptions on certain articles which had been granted for the purpose of promoting it had been removed. In its ruin it dragged down with it all other industries in mining districts, agriculture and mechanical crafts suffering in proportion. To remedy the evil, a commission was appointed to devise measures of relief. This proposed the exemption of quicksilver from all duties, whether it was imported or extracted in the country, and that gunpowder should be supplied to mining operators at prime cost.

These and other liberal relaxations were decreed by the junta on the 22d of November, and the resolution submitted to the regency, which, in view of the loss of at least $600,000 annually that the measure would entail on the treasury, urged that it should be modified. The junta accordingly again discussed the question on the 8th of February following; but convinced of the necessity of the measure, and persuaded that the inconvenience caused the government would be only temporary, confirmed its previous decree, which was published on the 18th. The scarcity of funds prevailed throughout the country, and the provinces, instead of being able to contribute to the general treasury, were compelled to appeal for subsidies. Yet in the face of these circumstances the new government, as I have said, was anything but economical. The grants to Iturbide, O'Donojú's widow, and others were heavy items; and the cost of ceremonial displays and celebrations of public rejoicing, though these