The question of limiting and restricting the trade between the
Philipmas and Mexico has been discussed recently, and two points
touching this have been determined: one, that it is not advisable for
this trade to take place by way of Yndia; the other that it is not
expedient to prohibit all trade between Pyru and Nueva España. There
still remain five other points to be decided concerning this matter:
(1) How many vessels shall take part in this trade. (2) How many
toneladas shall be allowed. (3) What persons shall be permitted to
take part in this trade. (4) Whether those who go from Mexico to the
Philippinas shall be permitted to return. (5) Whether the sending of
Sangleys to Manila be limited.
_Filipinas_
To lessen the coinage of pieces of four and of eight reals. [11]
It should be noted that 200,000 and 400,000 ducados have been minted.
To grant a portion of what is confiscated to the informer.
To regulate the merchant-fleets.
To increase the dues, and impose customs.
The first four sections [12] refer to what is ordained in regard to
this trade.
The fifth declares the irregularity in the appointments of officers
for this fleet.
The sixth, seventh, and eighth treat of the disadvantages which result
from not observing the ordinances, and of their violation.
From the ninth to the thirteenth and last, are given the remedies
that appear suitable for the correction of these evils.
Five points of the recent document look to the correction of illegal
acts, and aim at securing the observance of the ordinances and the
accomplishment of other things.
It is noted that the ordinances permit merchandise to be sent by way
of Rio de la Plata, which the Sevilla merchants have violently opposed.
The tranquillity of the Indians.
Other remedies proposed by the Conde de Monterrey, who states that
he will send others, showing the violations of law. This is in his
letter of May 25, of this year.
The conclusion was, the relationship between the said kingdoms,
and the increase of trade. It is readily seen that the increase in
the manufacture of wines, and in the production of grains, olives,
and other foods, and the maintenance of stock-raising by means of
the cultivation of grain--all aim at the same object.
It should be noted whether it would be advisable to forbid the
coinage of pieces of four and eight, beyond a certain number and
quantity--namely, only that necessary to supply the needs there,
and for what must be brought here.
To make arrangements for the despatch of the fleet.
To ascertain whether the bishop of Yucatan was the one who had those
contentions with the governor, and of whom the friars are talking. He
is proposed for the bishopric of Mechoacan.
_Remedies_
Considering that the trade should be preserved, and that the officials
on the ships should be inhabitants of the Filipinas, and appointed
there. That there be a consulate there, which should control the
pancada. That the coinage of money be diminished. That the third
part [of confiscated goods] go to the informer. That the duties be
increased. That if Peru be allowed to trade, it be to a limited amount;
and that dues and customs be imposed. That the trading fleets and
armed vessels act in concert. That there be a warehouse in Acapulco,
wherein to register the merchandise, and where violations of law may
be detected; and that the same be done in Manila, with goods sent
there. To forbid the use of stuffs for clothing from China.