Handbook for translators of Spanish historical ... - University Library

HANDBOOK FOR TRANSLATORS OF SPANISH HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS
of the United States now included in the territory from
California to Texas, such alDuses were a common practice.
The following letter sets forth the state of affairs in
this section of the Spanish Empire with unusoial clearness:
Among the many matters relating to the government
and administration of these dominions that are clamoring
for prompt and effective remedy, the improper use of
imaginary money is, without doubt, one of the most worthy
of attention.
All dealers, in beverages, foodstuffs, clothing, and
raw materials arbitrarily coin money out of small
pieces of wood or copper. Their places of business are
known as mestizas , cacahuaterfas . or pulquerfas ; and
their coins as tlacos .
The tlacos have the identifying marks of their respective
maker; each tlaco is worth one-eighth of one
tomin , or regualr silver real; but whether or not it has
this value, it is not accepted anywhere except in the
place of business of the maker.
The disorders, abuses, and, consequently, the extremely
grave harm resulting from this kind of commerce or private
trade so generally tolerated is great and requires
an extensive explanation.
Such an explanation was made to His Majesty by a
man by the name of Don Agustfn Corona, who suggested
the coinage of copper coins and the absolute prohibition
of the use of the imaginary coin known as tlaco .
By royal cedula dated October 21, 1767, information
relative to the advantages or disadvantages of the proposed
project was requested from this office.
Captain General Marques de Croix was then viceroy.
He had already commenced to take steps for the careful
inspection or visitation of mestiza stores, and he had
already noted the advantage of the orders for the extirpation
of tlacos and the substitution of copper
coins, when he received the afore-cited cedula.
He immediately requested official opinion, in accordance
with instructions. Although he received adverse
opinions from the tribunals of this consulado, from the
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