_How Governors were appointed to the provinces, and of the manner in
which the Kings visited their dominions, and how they bore, for their
arms, certain waving serpents with sticks._
It is well known that the lords of this kingdom had their lieutenants or
representatives in the principal places, in the time of their sovereign
power; such as Vilcas,[117] Xauxa,[118] Bombon,[119] Caxamalca,[120]
Guancabamba,[121] Tomebamba,[122] Latacunga,[123] Quito, Coranqui,[124]
and on the other side of Cuzco towards the south, in Hatuncana,
Hatuncolla,[125] Ayavire,[126] Chuquiabo,[127] Chucuito,[128]
Paria,[129] and others as far as Chile.
In these places there were larger houses and more resources than in many
of the other towns of this great empire, so that they were the central
positions or capitals of the provinces; for the tribute was brought into
these centres from certain distant places at so many leagues distance to
one, and at so many to another. The rules were so clear that every
village knew to which centre it had to send its tribute. In all these
capitals the kings had temples of the Sun, and houses with great store
of plate, with people whose only duty it was to work at making rich
pieces of gold and great vases of silver. There were also many soldiers
as a garrison, and also a principal agent or lieutenant who was over
all, and to whom an account had to be rendered of all that came in,
while he was expected to keep the account of all expenditure. These
governors were not allowed to interfere in the administration of any
neighbouring province; but within his own jurisdiction, if there was any
disturbance or uproar, he had the power of inflicting punishment, much
more if there was any treasonable movement or rebellion of one denying
allegiance to the king. For it is certain that full powers were
entrusted to these governors.[130]
If the Incas did not make these appointments and establish colonists,
the natives would often rise and assume the royal power for one of
themselves. But with so many soldiers, and such resources, it was not
easy to set any treason or insurrection on foot. For the governors had
the full confidence of their sovereign and all were Orejones, generally
with _chacaras_ or estates in the Cuzco district, with their houses and
families. If one proved to be incompetent as a ruler with an important
charge, another was presently appointed in his place.
If the governors, at certain times, came to Cuzco on private business or
to consult with the king, they left lieutenants in their place, not men
selected by favour, but those who knew their duties and would perform
them with greatest fidelity, and with most care for the service of the
Incas. If one of the governors or lieutenants died at his post, the
natives quickly sent a report of the cause of the death, with proofs, to
the lord; and even the bodies of the dead were sent by the post road
when it was considered desirable.
The tribute which was paid to the central station by the natives, as
well gold and silver as weapons, clothes and all other things, was
delivered to the _camayos_ who had charge of the _quipos_, that an
account might be taken. These officers kept the records with reference
to the issue of stores to the armies, or to others, respecting whom they
might receive orders, or to be sent to Cuzco. When overseers came from
the city of Cuzco to examine the accounts, or the officers went there to
submit their _quipus_ for inspection, it was necessary that there should
be no mistake, but that the accounts should be balanced. And few years
were allowed to pass without these examinations of the accounts being
made.
These governors had full authority to assemble soldiers and organize an
army if any disturbance or rising should make it necessary to meet a
sudden emergency, either to put down an insurrection or to oppose an
invasion. The governors were honoured and favored by the lords, and many
of them continued in perpetual command in the provinces when the
Spaniards came. I know some of them who are now in office, and the sons
of others who have inherited their posts.
When the Incas visited the provinces of their empire in time of peace,
they travelled in great majesty, seated in rich litters fitted with
loose poles of excellent wood, long and enriched with gold and silver
work. Over the litter there were two high arches of gold set with
precious stones, and long mantles fell round all sides of the litter so
as to cover it completely. If the inmate did not wish to be seen, the
mantles remained down, but they were raised when he got in or came out.
In order that he might see the road, and have fresh air, holes were made
in the curtains. Over all parts of these mantles or curtains there was
rich ornamentation. On some were embroidered the sun and the moon, on
others great curving serpents, and what appeared to be sticks passing
across them. These were borne as insignia or arms. The litters were
raised on the shoulders of the greatest and most important lords of the
kingdom, and he who was employed most frequently on this duty, was held
to be most honoured and in highest favour.
Round the litter marched the king’s guard with the archers and
halberdiers, and in front went five thousand slingers, while in rear
there were lancers with their captains. On the flanks of the road, and
on the road itself, there were faithful runners who kept a lookout and
announced the approach of the lord. So many people came out to see him
pass, that the hill sides were covered, and they all blessed their
sovereign, raising a great cry and shouting their accustomed saying,
which was:--“_Ancha hatun apu intip churi, canqui zapalla, apu tucuy
pacha ccampa uyay sullull._”[131] This means, “Very great and powerful
lord, son of the Sun, thou only art lord, all the world hears thee in
truth.” Besides this they said other things in a loud voice, insomuch
that they went little short of worshipping their king as a god.
Along the whole road Indians went in front, cleaning it in such a way
that neither weed nor loose stone could be seen, but all was made smooth
and clean. The Inca travelled as far as he chose each day, but generally
about four leagues. He stopped at certain places where he could examine
into the state of the country; hearing cheerfully those who came with
complaints, punishing those who had been unjust, and doing justice to
those who had suffered. Those who came with him, did not demand
anything, neither did they go a single pace off the road. The natives
supplied what was necessary, besides which there was more than enough of
all provisions in the storehouses, so that nothing was wanting. By the
way, many men and women and lads came to do personal service if it was
needed. The lords were thus carried from one village to another, where
they were taken up by those of the next village, and as it was only one
day, or at most two, they did not feel this service to be any hardship.
Travelling in this way, the lord went over his dominions for as long a
time as pleased him, seeing what was going on with his own eyes, and
giving necessary instructions on great and important matters. He then
returned to Cuzco, the principal city of the whole empire.