ANTONIO DE MENDOZA (1547)

The first and probably the most able viceroy of New Spain who ruled the conquered Mexican territory with justice, efficiency and a degree of compassion and established a basic political and economic policy that endured until the colonies gained their independence.

The son of a distinguished family of soldiers and statesmen Mendoza distinguished himself in the service of the Spanish king Charles I(-V) who rewarded him by appointing him first viceroy of New Spain in 1535.

Sent to a land that was recovering from the agony of conquest (1519-21), Indian rebellion and rivalries among the Spanish conquerors his duties were to increase the royal revenues and regulate the affairs of the Indians.

An able administrator and loyal to his king Mendoza collected the revenues with honesty and efficiency. In 1542 Charles issued the series of enactments known as the New Laws which attempted to limit the powers of the Spanish encomiendas (royal land grants) over the subject Indians. Mendoza was both unable and unwilling to enforce these laws but nevertheless did much to alleviate the lot of the Indians by limiting their exploitation in the mines by fixing the hours of work by ordering payment for the labour of free Indians and by protecting Indian lands from appropriation. His office was always open their petitions.

He also introduced the printing press, promoted the building of schools and hospitals and encouraged the improvement of agricultural methods, stock raising and mining.

The viceroy was the embodiment of the monarch, serving as chief executive, head of the judiciary, patron of the church, commander of the armed forces and supervisor of the royal treasury. Governing for 15 years,, the longest therm of any viceroy, Mendoza did much to bring peace and stability to Mexico.

As a reward for his effective service he was promoted to the viceroyalty of Peru in 1551 but lived only long enough to take an extensive tour of the territory and outline the measures to be taken there.