Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/507

Rh been accomplished partly by the tribunal reforms already noticed, together with an improved penitentiary system, and a more unflinching enforcement of penalty, especially upon highway robbers, whom local judges and military commanders were instructed to shoot on sight or execute without delay. At the same time a more judicious gradation of punishments was recommended to the courts, and the intention is to speedily abolish executions. No confiscation, lash, or mutilation is permitted. The police force has been greatly improved, and the admirable security of the country roads is mainly due to the rural guard, a select body of men, assisted by converted robbers, on the principle of setting a thief to catch a thief.

The republic has not stood on the best footing with foreign powers, owing to the anarchic state of affairs, and her disregard for obligations and international usages. At first Europe held aloof out of respect for Spain, Colombia being the first to establish official relations, although no intimacy resulted. Indeed, Mexico was a main cause for the failure of the