In order that the Yndias may not be ruined, they should be dependent
upon and subordinate to España, and there should be close relationship
between the different parts.
This subordination and relationship consists in two things: first,
in what concerns the government--political, spiritual, and temporal,
and therefore it is advisable that the viceroys, governors, bishops,
vicars, and commissaries-general should be sent from España. True,
those who have gone from these parts and fulfil their duties properly
there, should be rewarded since they have worked, and merit this
favor more than those going from España.
By reason of the lack of this subordination and relationship, we
know that many kingdoms which were converted to the faith returned to
paganism. A good example of this is furnished in Eastern Yndia, where
the apostle St. Thomas converted innumerable souls in the kingdom
of Bisnaga, Cuylan, Cochin, and Caratuete. But after the death of
St. Thomas, as there was no communication either with Palestina or
Roma, in three or four generations there was not one Christian. Until
now, for two hundred years Babylonian bishops have gone there; and
now there are many Portuguese.
The second thing essential to the relationship between the Yndias
and España is that there should be commerce and trade between those
kingdoms. This is extremely needful, for, if commerce should cease,
then communication would cease; and, should the latter cease, within a
few generations there would be no Christians there. That which causes
most inquiry to this commerce and communication, is the diversion
of the commerce between the Yndias and España to other kingdoms,
not belonging to his Majesty, but heathen and pagan; such is now the
case between Nueva España, Peru, and the Filipinas, which receive
annually two million pesos of silver; all of this wealth passes into
the possession of the Chinese, and is not brought to España, to the
consequent loss of the royal duties, and injury to the inhabitants of
the Filipinas; and the greatest loss, with the lapse of time, will
be that rebounding upon the Yndias themselves. All the projects and
prohibitions that have been devised to remedy this loss serve but to
inflict still greater injury, and to cause universal ruin.
As long as the viceroy of Nueva España continues to appoint the
captains and officials of the vessels sailing to the Filipinas,
the fitting reform cannot be instituted; for, it is clear that, as
such officials go from Mexico, they will not hesitate to take their
money and that of their friends; and even if other prohibitions may
be issued, they will not cease to do so.
The fitting remedy for this matter consists in having a consulate in
Manila, and in providing there the said officers, and in assigning to
each citizen of the islands the amount of goods that he may export. By
this method, a complete remedy for this evil will be provided, and
the inhabitants of the islands, for their own benefit and interest,
should endeavor to keep the trade themselves, and prohibit trading
or sending consignments of silver from Mexico or Peru.
The trading in, and consignments of silver to, the Filipinas by the
inhabitants of Mexico causes great detriment to the inhabitants of
the islands; for, because of the Mexicans sending so much silver,
the price of Chinese silks and merchandise has risen, so that, while
for twenty years, when only the inhabitants of the islands were
permitted to trade, they were wont to gain one thousand per cent,
now they do not gain one hundred, whence results much resentment in
the Filipinas. Therefore it is most certain that, if the trade be
conceded to them alone, with a just limitation, they will desire to
be the only gainers; and hence will endeavor to see that no Mexicans
send any silver, and will execute whatever penalty his Majesty imposes
on the Mexicans. This they will do, because clearly much advantage
will accrue to the islanders thereby, by the lowering of the price
of the merchandise in Manila and a rise in Mexico. If this reason be
examined closely, my assertion will be quite clear.
I maintain the same in regard to the port of Buenos Ayres; and what
has been ordained but lately I think was by divine ordination; for
hitherto, notwithstanding the prohibition that there should be no
trade, ships entered and cleared, and traded between Brasil and Potosi,
and between Potosi and Brasil and España. And, although six judges
were sent to enforce this prohibition, they were unable to effect
a remedy, until the governor, Don Diego de Baldes, gave permission,
as he considered it an extreme necessity, and the ultimate remedy,
for the citizens of Buenos Ayres to reap some slight portion of
the profits--although he erred in this, as it was done without his
Majesty's permission. However, now that this license is confirmed,
the matter, in so far as it touches this port, is remedied; for the
amount of flour which they take cannot be of sufficient consideration
to damage the commerce of Tierra Firme; and the citizens, as they
profit thereby, will prevent anyone from trading outside of the port,
and will execute the penalties imposed by his Majesty on those who
try to trade. I relate all the above because I think great things
will result therefrom to the service of our Lord and of his Majesty.
_Fray Martin Ynacio de Loyola_,
bishop of Rio de la Plata.
[_Endorsed_: "+ Memorial from the bishop of Rio de la Plata, in which
he declares what reform should be effected in the commerce of the
Filipinas and Mexico; and asserts that the action of the council in
Buenos Ayres has had very good effect."]