"The impunity with which delinquencies of this description are every day committed is perhaps in some degree, the consequence of those severe enactments, such as the Leyes de las Indias (the laws of the Indies), which rendered many thefts and robberies punishable with death. The magistracy contracted the habit of frequently winking at crime, rather than resort to the barbarous expedients prescribed by the letter of the law. The utmost that can be gained now by public prosecution, is the recovery of the stolen property, if that be anywhere to be found, and occasionally a short period of imprisonment for the culprit. This is more particularly the case when the prosecutor happens to be a foreigner; while on the other hand, if he be the party accused, he is likely to be subjected to very severe treatment."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
p. 32.
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Commerce_of_the_Prairies
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Commerce of the Prairies
1806 – 1850
Commerce of the Prairies: or, The journal of a Santa Fé trader, 1831–1839 was written by Josiah Gregg (1806–1850), a merchant, explorer, naturalist, and author who described his travels and adventures throughout the American Southwest and Northern Mexico. He is most famous for this book, a classic description of his early travels along the Santa Fe Trail to Santa Fe, then along El Camino Real to Chihuahua, Mexico and further south.
241 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Commerce of the Prairies →
Related Quotes
"The administration of the laws in Northern Mexico constitutes one of the most painful features of her institutions. J…"
"The evil consequences arising from maladministration, of justice in New Mexico are most severely felt by foreigners, …"
"Few men, perhaps, have done more to jeopard the interests of American traders, or to bring the American character its…"
"With a view of oppressing our merchants, Gov. Armijo had, as early as 1839, issued a decree exempting all the natives…"
"The only tribunals of 'justice' in New Mexico are those of the ordinary alcaldes or justices of the peace; and an app…"
"In the administration of justice, there are three distinct and privileged jurisdictions, known as fueros: the eclesiá…"
"Imprisonment is almost the only sort of punishment resorted to in the North. For debt, petit larceny, highway robbery…"
"In case of debt, as before remarked, the delinquent is sent to jail — provided the creditor will not accept his servi…"
"Capital crimes and highway robberies are of comparatively rare occurrence in the North, but in smaller delinquencies,…"
"Prior to the adoption of the Sistema Central in the Mexican republic, the province of New Mexico was under a territor…"