slight offenses there is but little to register, or little judicial
procedure to be observed; but when they are of greater import, and the
penalty therefor is severe, it is just that the case be registered and
substantiated so that the proper course of justice may be observed,
and so that they may be prosecuted in due form of law.


_Justice_

103. As for justice, there has been much negligence in punishing
public excesses and faults. Many things--and some of them of great
importance--have been overlooked or covered up. This has led to other
irregularities, such as reckless, continual, and fraudulent gambling,
and concubinage.

104. From Nueva España many disreputable men, condemned to the galleys,
are brought here, and allowed to disembark and go where they will,
dressed and armed like the rest of the people. They are not often
tried; and not only do they not pay the penalty for their crimes,
but even commit other atrocities and crimes here.

105. The ordinary judges are lax in their duties, are not prompt in
finishing the business of the advocates, and in fact, neglect this
duty greatly. They do not patrol or visit suspected places, nor watch
over the government, supplies, and civil affairs of their districts.

106. The chief aim of the alcaldes-mayor, corregidors, and assistants,
is trade. They buy up by wholesale the products of the land, especially
rice and other food supplies, exactly as is said above concerning
the religious of certain curacies, and their interpreters and helpers.