Although fatal to administrative efficiency, the frictions perpetuated the ultimate control of the monarchy in distant Madrid. Competing vigorously for the crown’s favor, all three sets of leaders reported (or invented) the malfeasance of their rivals. The empire became clogged with paperwork as the clashing interests generated reams of reports and counter-reports that encouraged almost endless dispute and indecision. Multiple appeals and counterappeals from rival officials delayed action for years, often till long after the protagonists had died.
