This was done in case I should at any time reach towns in districts where I had been unable to see the _jefe politico_.

It was desirable, when possible, that the _jefe_ should be seen before serious work was undertaken.

As Governor Gonzales of Oaxaca once remarked, when furnishing me a general letter: "You should always see the _jefe politico_ of the district first.

These Indians know nothing of me, and often will not recognize my name; but the _jefe_ of their district they know, and his orders they will obey." In using these official orders, I adopted whatever methods were best calculated to gain my ends; success depended largely on my taking matters into my own hands.

Each official practically unloaded me upon the next below him, with the expectation that I should gain my ends, if possible, but at the same time he felt, and I knew, that his responsibility had ended.