202 MONASTIC PROPERTY BIGOTRY OF PALAFOX. 



he gave the king many wise councils as to his American colonies ; 

 but, especially advised him to colonize the Californias. Don Pedro 

 Portal de Casanete was commissioned by Philip for this purpose. 



In 1644, there were already in Mexico twelve convents of nuns, 

 and nearly an equal number for males, which, either by the unwise 

 but pious zeal of wealthy persons, were becoming rich and ag- 

 gregating to themselves a large amount of urban and rural property. 

 Besides this the dependants upon these convents, both males and 

 females, were largely increasing ; — all of which so greatly pre- 

 judiced not only property but population, that the Ayuntamiento or 

 City Council solicited the king not to permit the establishment in 

 future of similar foundations, and to prohibit the acquisition of real 

 estate by monasteries, inasmuch as the time might come when these 

 establishments would be the only proprietors. 



Meanwhile Casanete arrived in Mexico on his way to the shores 

 of the Pacific. Salvatierra received him kindly and made proper 

 efforts to equip him for the enterprise. The chiefs and governors 

 of the interior were ordered to aid him in every way ; but just as 

 he was about to sail, two of his vessels were burned, whereupon 

 his soldiers dispersed, whilst the families of his colonists with- 

 drew, in hope of being again soon summoned to embark. 



The civil government of Salvatierra passed in quietness ; but the 

 domineering spirit of Palafox did not allow the church to remain 

 at peace with the state. In 1647, this lordly churchman engaged 

 in warm discussion with the Jesuits and other orders. Most scan- 

 dalous scenes occurred in the churches of Puebla. Anathemas, 

 excommunications, and all the artillery of the church were used 

 against each other. Palafox persevered in his rancorous contro- 

 versy as long as he remained in America, and even after his return 

 to Europe, pursued his quarrel at the court of Rome. At the close 

 of this year Salvatierra was removed to the viceroyalty of Peru. 



Don Marcos de Torres y Rueda, 

 Bishop of Yucatan — Governor of New Spain. 

 XX. Viceroy of New Spain. 

 1648 — 1649. 



The rule of Torres y Rueda was brief and eventless. It ex- 

 tended from the 13th of March, 1648, to the 22d of April, 1649, 

 when the bishop- governor died, and was sumptuously interred in 

 the church of San Agustin in the city of Mexico. 



