Without natives to work for them the Castilian would be reduced to starvation and compelled to go in search of other fields). The natives would relapse into their old ways, grow arrogant, rise against the Spaniards, and none might predict the end.
The corregidores also joined in the cry, and complained bitterly of the small pay which barely sufficed for absolute necessaries.[1] The friars, who were interested, for that matter, by reason of a number of snug grants, came to their aid with strong arguments, dwelling in particular on the need of the encomienda system to promote conversion, and thereby maintain control over the natives. The oidores became divided on this point, Salmeron and Quiroga showing a preference for the system, and the able Ceynos appearing against crown holdings by which the revenue was reduced to nothing. It was also argued that encomenderos could be supervised in their treatment of vassals fully as well as corregidores, and would not only take greater interest in their charge, but insure a larger tribute.[2] The economic feature must after all outweigh philanthropy, at least with a monarch in need of funds, and as corregimientos involved a costly staff of petty governors and collectors, with payment of army and pensioners, nearly all of whom could be discarded under the encomienda system, which also afforded a surer return, it is no wonder that the high resolves were shaken. Viceroy Mendoza, indeed, received orders to stay his hand against encomenderos, and, as he strongly condemned corregidores, and advocated native service as necessary for the country,[3] we find
- ↑ This is graphically set forth in a petition from a number of conquerors, in Col. Doc. Inéd., 1. 526-30.
- ↑ Ceynos recommended entailed grants, with enriqueña clause, of most land, and in large lots, say to about 400 deserving men in all, 200 of whom were to reside at Mexico, paying one tenth of revenue to the crown. Smaller grants lead to extortion. Carta, in Icazbalceta, Col. Doc., ii. 158 et seq., 237. The representations of the friars, headed by Valencia and Betanzos, are om in Id., 156, 190, and others appear i Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., 566-71, xi 197-8, xii. 123-6, 140, xvi.
- ↑ See his letters in Id., ii. 183-5, Florida, Col. Doc., i. 122, and Ternaux-Compans, Voy., série i. tom. x. 364, wherein he also exposes the corregidores
