[XXXV‑38] Especially as to the performance of rites in the new districts of Ocotenango and Chimaltenango. Several parishes were taken from the Mercenarios and Dominicans, it being alleged that there were none among them acquainted with the native speech. Ayetta, Informe, in Prov. del Sto Evang., MS.
[XXXV‑39] May 28, 1688, a shot was fired at the oidor Pedro de Selva, and while the audiencia was in session discussing the matter, the bishop called on the president and informed him that under the seal of confession it had been revealed to him that the carabine had been loaded with blank cartridge only. The shot was meant as a warning to the oidor to amend his views regarding a case then pending, wherein many innocent persons were interested. When the president endeavored to show that the oidor had acted throughout with fairness, the bishop gave way to anger and left the palace, exclaiming with a loud voice: 'The country is being ruined by the iniquity of its rulers!' Gavarette, Cop. Doc., 55.
[XXXV‑40] In Gavarette, loc. cit., it is said that the bishop was removed, but all other authorities describe his proceedings as bishop of Guatemala until his death in 1701, or 1702.
[XXXV‑41] Scals requested that an order be issued to the effect that Venegas 'en sus peticiones y escritos trate con decencia al señor presidente,' and states that Venegas repeatedly asserted that he, Scals, had usurped the presidency. Pelaez, Mem. Guat., ii. 209-10.
[XXXV‑42] One expedient was to plead ignorance concerning matters discussed, and refusing therefore to vote. This the president met by ordering that the oidores be notified of motions about to be made. Another was the pretence of illness, and consequent inability to attend; to obviate this he directed that votes should be accepted in writing. Pelaez, Mem. Guat., ii. 269-70.
[XXXV‑43] Oviedo brought his claims before the council, but notwithstanding his appointment was dated first in order of time, they decided against him. Diego Oviedo y Baños, sobre Presidencia. This pamphlet, the date of which is not given, was probably published in or about 1705, and seems to be part of a larger work containing the full case of Oviedo, edited by the licentiate Baltasar de Aseredo.
[XXXV‑44] Robles, Diario, iii. 252.
[XXXV‑45] According to Escamilla, Not. Cur. de Guat., MS., 5, he was restored to office in 1700 and returned to Spain in 1701. Juarros, Guat., i. 268, says 'el Señor Berrospe murió, antes que se serenase la borrasca.'
[XXXV‑46] See [p. 380], this vol.
[XXXV‑47] In a session of the cabildo during 1607, his Majesty is informed that Bishop Ramirez has for some time past kept the chapter in great excitement by his conversation and sermons in which he uses harsh and terrible language. Arévalo, Col. Doc. Antig., 112. Compare Juarros, Guat., i. 279-80; Calle, Mem. y Not., 116.