_The discontent of all the islands, on account of depriving them of
the profits which might be had from the purchase of this merchandise;
and the lading of it which his Majesty has granted, by his decrees,
to the citizens of Peru and Nueva España._
The citizens of the islands, except one here and there, are very
poor. They wish to abandon the islands, as there are no means of gain
or profit except in trade and commerce. They are deprived of this by
the citizens of Mexico and Peru, who bring over a great quantity of
money, with which they do not hesitate to purchase merchandise at
excessive prices. Then, in order to ship these goods, they hasten
to pay high rates for the tonnage, and thus succeed in occupying
the space which belongs to the citizens; and when the latter ship
their merchandise it is so little that it is not sufficient for their
support. On the other hand, the Portuguese pass from Acapulco to China
with their money, and do not return to Nueva España. They either
remain there, sending cargoes therefrom, or they send merchandise
to Portugal, by way of the ports where the Portuguese trade, thus
defrauding the native-born citizens of their rights.