e whole matter, since his intention is that
such private persons take warning and never again lend to anyone;
for, it is evident, that if many come to speculate in this kind of
business, the alcalde will soon be shut out, or at least will have
to submit himself to the general rules. Consequently, the result is
that capitalists draw back from him, saying, and very rightly, that
it is only fitting for the alcaldes who possess the means to cause
themselves to be paid when a debt is due. The alcalde, then, remains
master of the field, and monopolizes this department at his pleasure,
for he who needs funds has to go to him, for there are very few who
enjoy enough credit to get them elsewhere. Many other advantages also
favor the alcalde. The parish priests aid him, and many times take
charge of the division of the money of the alcalde in their villages,
for they know that that is the sure means of keeping on good terms with
him, and obtaining the measures which depend on his will in the matters
of their villages. The gobernadorcillos and officials of justice are
other instruments of which the alcalde makes use to apportion and
collect his funds." "Why is it that these do not occupy themselves
rather in their affairs than in those of the alcalde?" "The alcalde can
always, whenever he wishes, make trouble for the gobernadorcillo by
making him go to the chief village with innumerable pretexts, and by
various other methods which it would take a long time to enumerate,
and which it is very easy to conceive. Besides, it is important
for the alcalde to keep the gobernadorcillo satisfied. Suppose now,
that a road has to be built, or a bamboo bridge, or any other work
for which the people of the village who have to do it, according to
their obligation called polos and services, are summoned. As some
of them are busy in their fields or other business, they wish to be
free from such a burden, and they give the gobernadorcillo two or
three reals and he excuses them on the ground of sickness. A party
of troops or a Spaniard passes by and asks for some beast of burden,
or an aid in food. That is also an occasion for the gobernadorcillo to
get even with those whom he dislikes and obtain part of his demands;
for some give him presents in order that he may not give the beasts
of burden, while others do not receive the pay for that food. During
the days of tiangui or village fairs, such and such a sum is exacted
for each post in the market pla