Reforms Juan Francisco de Güemes, 1st Count of Revillagigedo

juan francisco de güemes, 1st count of revillagigedo, viceroy of new spain

he reformed administration of treasury of colony in 1746. because large portion of circulating coinage had been sent spain, ordered minting of 150,000 pesos circulation in florida (1746). reauthorized playing cards, banned predecessor, in order increase revenue taxation.

because smuggling still rampant, ordered close inspection of ships arriving in port. measure ineffective, however. smugglers used small boats , made landings on deserted beaches, transferring illegal goods confederates in colony. because of complaints spanish merchants, chiefly in america, spain broke relations hanseatic league. viceroy prohibited hanseatic ships anchoring in veracruz. when legal source of large quantity of merchandise blocked, smuggling rose. said vicereine dressed in contraband cloth england or flanders.

güemes y horcasitas earned reputation governing efficiently , honorably. took steps ensure government employees met obligations of offices. increased revenues of government, though revenue mines decreased due scarcity of mercury (for extracting silver). increased size of fleet protecting shipping between veracruz , havana.

with expansion of commerce , decrease in piracy after end of war england, mercury spanish mines began flowing new spain in sufficient quantities raise production of silver pre-shortage levels.

he reorganized management of official documents , required civil , religious affairs handled independently. these reforms considered foundation of became general archives of mexico.

he accused of having accumulated enormous personal fortune while in office, when left, left large surplus in treasury, , wealth of stores , provisions.