, and one to Tlacopan. This co-partnership for the purpose of
securing tribute by the three most powerful tribes of the valley, under
the leadership of Mexico, was formed about the year 1426, just about one
hundred years from the date of the first appearance of the Mexicans in
the valley.

From this time to the date of the Spanish conquest in 1520, the
confederate tribes were almost constantly at war with the surrounding
Indians, and particularly with the feeble village Indians southward
from the valley of Mexico to the Pacific, and thence eastward well
towards Guatemala. They began with those nearest in position, whom
they overcame, through superior numbers, and concentrated action, and
subjected to tribute. These forays were continued from time to time for
the avowed object of gathering spoil, imposing tribute and capturing
prisoners for sacrifice, until the principal tribes within the area
named, with some exceptions, were subdued and made tributary.<26>

The territory of these tribes, thus subject to tribute, constitutes what
is generally known as the Mexican Empire.<27> But, manifestly, it is an
abuse of language to so designate this territory. No attempt was made
for the formation of a State which would include the various groups of
aborigines settled in the area tributary to the confederacy. "No common
or mutual tie connected these numerous and diverse tribes," excepting
hatred of the Mexican confederacy. The tribes were left independent
under their own chiefs. They well knew the tribute must be forthcoming,
or else they would feel the weight of their conquerors' displeasure. But
such a domination of the strong over the weak, for no other reason
than to enforce an unwilling tribute, can never form a nation, or an
empire.<28> These subject tribes, held down by heavy burdens--inspired
by enmity, ever ready to revolt--gave no new strength to the
confederacy: they were rather an element of weakness. The Spaniards were
not slow to take advantage of this state of affairs. The tribes of
Vera Cruz, who could have imposed an almost impassable barrier to
their advance through that section, were ready to welcome them as
deliverers.<29> The Tlascaltecans, though never made tributary to the
Mexicans, had to wage almost unceasing war for fifty years preceding the
coming of the Spaniards. Without their assistance, Cortez would never
have passed into history as the conqueror of Mexico.

A word as to the real power of the Mexic