151 



Of the Mexican Government. 



In the Mexican empire the sovereignty was originally vested 

 in monarchs elected from the members of a particular family, 

 whose authority was at first limited, but under the reign of 

 the last emperor became despotic. 3 Roberts. 133. 



His subjects consisted of various classes of nobility, whose 

 titles and possessions were hereditary ; but the great body of 

 the people were in a very humiliating state. Even those con- 

 sidered as freemen were treated by their haughty lords as be- 

 ings of an inferior nature ; and domestics might be killed by 

 their masters with impunity. 



The right of private property was established in its full 

 extent ; hence agriculture and various arts had made some 

 progress. 



There were also courts of justice whose decisions were 

 usually equitable. But they had no written laws, nor appear 

 to be acquainted with letters. 



Their habitations were mean stragling huts, formed of 

 earth and stones. In the city of Mexico and some others 

 they were equally mean, but more orderly. 



Their disposition was in the highest degree ferocious. They 

 were incessantly engaged in hostilities, and were chiefly in- 

 tent 



