Note 32 — Chapter VI · THE AUDIENCIA AND THE GOVERNOR: GENERAL RELATIONS

Closely related to the appointing power was the duty which the governor had of submitting annually to the court a list of all the officials of the colony, with comments on the character of their services, and with recommendations for promotion or dismissal from office.32 The oidores were included in these reports.33 It was also the function of the governor to report on the administration of justice.34 The governor was instructed to inform the court in case the oidores engaged in forbidden commercial ventures, either directly, through the agency of their wives, or through other intermediaries.35 He was authorized, moreover, to investigate and report on the public and private conduct of the magistrates and of their wives as well36 and to exert himself to see that their actions were at all times in consonance with the dignity of their rank and positions and of such a character as would reflect credit on the royal name and entitle them to the respect of the residents of the colony. The confidential reports of the governor to the king might include all of these matters, and many others too numerous to mention. On the other hand, the audiencia, as a body, was authorized to direct the attention of the Council to any irregularities of which the governor might be guilty, and thus a system of checks and balances was maintained.37 However, the oidores were forbidden to make charges individually. This injunction was so frequently disregarded that it was practically a dead-letter.