thority in June 1659, at which time the count of Alba was viceroy; and in the same year the constitutions for its directive and economical order, were drawn up by the inquisitor, Don Cristobal De Castilla, who had been commissioned by the tribunal to that effect.
The college was governed according to the spirit of these constitutions until the year 1756, at which time it was found indispensably necessary to new model them in some parts, and to make additions and corrections to them in others, according as was required by the lapse of time, and the alteration of circumstances[1]. This was effected by the inquisitors Don Mateo De Amusquibar, and Don Diego Delgado. The constitutions having been modified in this manner, were reprinted at the above time, and have since sufficed for the government of the college, without the necessity of any further innovations. What they strictly require, for the reception of a female infant, is, that she shall be a foundling and a Spaniard[2]. On these heads the most precise information is taken.
The number of the college girls educated, fed, and clothed, has varied with the increase or diminution of the funds of the establishment. It consists at present of twenty-four of these
- ↑ Legislation, as well as all other sublunary things, grows old with the progress of time. In that state its force is languid, and it resists its infractions but feebly. If we were to endeavour to govern men at this time according to the ordinances of the Romans, or the Goths, there would be a perpetual contradiction between the antiquity of the law and the force of custom; at the same time that the influence of opinion would be invariably in opposition to the accomplishment of what should be commanded.—Political Reflections, MS.
- ↑ All those born in South America of Spanish parents, are reputed Spaniards.
