Preface

In this volume are recorded the more important events in the history of

the Philippine colony during the years 1591-92. The dissensions between

the secular and the ecclesiastical authorities continue, though the

governor asks, in various important public affairs, the advice of the

religious orders, and in view of a threatened invasion by the Japanese,

appeals to the ecclesiastics to cease their opposition to his measures,

and aid his efforts to save the colony. Dasmariñas does all in his

power for its defense and increase; but the unfriendly attitude of

the ecclesiastics, the restrictions laid on commerce, the poverty of

the public treasury, and the greed of officials and other influential

residents, all greatly hinder and embarrass his efforts. A papal decree

orders the Indian slaves in the islands to be freed. Explorations are

made in northern Luzón, opening up a rich and important region; and

the conquest of Mindanao is undertaken. The Chinese trade continues to

call for special measures: the Spanish residents of the islands ask

for permission from the home government to trade with the Portuguese

colony of Macao; and, in order to encourage the Indians to keep up

their native industries, they are forbidden to wear Chinese stuffs. A

revolt of the Zambales and Negritos of western Luzón is quelled, and

the surviving insurgents are dispersed or enslaved. The emperor of

Japan demands from the Spaniards of the islands tribute and homage,

which excites in their minds apprehensions of coming war.

The document of 1591 relating to the collection of tributes in the

islands, begun in _Vol_. VII, is here concluded. The bishop asks the

governor to let him know his decision regarding such collection;

the latter replies (February 8) that he cannot make any change in

present conditions without further orders from the king; and issues

(February 28) a decree regulating the collection of tributes. A dispute

between the bishop and the governor ensues, followed by letters (dated

March 4-21) interchanged by them, which are an interesting revelation

of the relations between the religious and secular authorities, and

of the conflicting interests involved therein. The governor repels

(March 8) the accusation that he has been the mouthpiece of others;

defends the Jesuits from any suspicion of unfriendliness toward the

bishop; and complains that he is still attacked in the pulpit. In

another letter (dated March 19) Dasmariñas makes suggestions to the

bishop regarding the best means of meeting the religious needs of the

Indians with the small number of priests who can be thus employed. He

denies that he has any partiality for the Augustinians over the

other orders and makes various explanations regarding his attitude

toward the orders. He then urges the bishop to follow his suggestions,

and thus to fulfil his obvious and pressing duties--advising Salazar

not to meddle with the encomenderos, and other matters which do not

concern his office. Dasmariñas also complains that the bishop does

not provide laymen to instruct the natives; that he allows the Indians

to come to Manila too often with their complaints, and that there are

irregularities in the appointment of clergymen to benefices. Salazar

replies (March 21) to this epistle, manifesting little confidence

in the promises made by the secular authorities, and calling for

their fulfilment. The bishop complains of the wrongs that are being

perpetrated, and of the curtailment of his own authority. He claims

that he has the right to decide whether a religious order may take

possession of a new field. He discusses the governor's suggestions

regarding the provision of clergymen for various districts, and

explains what he is willing to do. He objects to placing one friar

alone in a village, and desires to leave the assignment of the friars'

charge to their superiors--citing for this the arrangements already

adopted in Mexico regarding this matter; he also objects to any

interference with his priests by the governor, rebukes the latter for

assuming to instruct his bishop in the episcopal duties, and asserts

his own rights and privileges. Salazar declares that he cannot find

suitable laymen to instruct the Indians, and that they come to him for

help and counsel because the governor treats them so ungraciously. He

no longer fills the office of "protector of the Indians," for it has

brought him only sorrow, and he cannot do for them what he desires.

A decree of Gregory XIV (dated April 18, 1591) requires restitution

to the Indians for the losses caused to them in the conquest of the

Philippines, according to the ability of the individual conquerors;

and sets free all Indian slaves in the islands. On May 12 of that

year are signed articles of contract for the conquest of Mindanao,

a task which is undertaken by Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa (the same

officer formerly sent thither by Sande). He is to establish at least

one settlement there; and encomiendas are to be allotted, the most

important being reserved for the crown, and one-third of the remainder

for the conqueror. Certain documents dated between April 9 and May 20,

1591, relate to a municipal ordinance (March 30) forbidding the Indians

to wear silks or other stuffs from China. Dasmariñas institutes an

inquiry (April 9) into the results of this on the natives, and the

possibility that the decree should be suspended in some cases. Ten

witnesses, converted Indian chiefs, testify that the importation of

Chinese goods has ruined the native industries, and demoralized the

people; and that the ordinance should be enforced.

A document unsigned, but prepared by order of the governor (dated

May 31, 1591), gives "a detailed account of the encomiendas in the

Philippinas Islands," royal and private, pacified and hostile, with

and without instruction; the names of the encomenderos, and the number

of the tributarios, religious ministers, and magistrates in each. At

the beginning is given a description of the city of Manila, with

the churches, public buildings, governmental and municipal offices,

Parián, etc. There are some three thousand Chinese in the islands,

two-thirds of whom live in the Parián, where they have two hundred

shops. There are so many friars in Manila that some of them might

well be sent to districts where ministers are lacking. At the end of

the document is a brief summary of the above statistics. The writer

concludes that the number of religious teachers ought to be at least

doubled, and "even more, for when they arrive here, one-fourth of

these will have died"--pathetic commentary on the hardships of a

voyage across the Pacific.

At the end of his first year as governor, Dasmariñas writes (June 20,

1591) a report for that period. Delay in receiving the royal despatches

before leaving Spain has prevented him from obtaining the money which

he was to expend in building the Manila cathedral, and the amount

raised for this purpose at Manila had been much lessened by poor

management; but he has stopped the waste (mainly in large salaries),

and is pushing the work as fast as he can. He has aided the hospitals,

but they need much more help, for they are crowded with patients on

account of the unhealthful climate. He complains that the bishop

hinders his attempts to obtain a statement of accounts from the

Franciscan friars in charge of the hospital for Indians; the king

thereupon orders that this matter be officially investigated, and

that the governor take possession of both hospitals in the name of

his Majesty. Dasmariñas recommends that more ministers of religion

be furnished for the Indians, and sends an exact statement of the

encomiendas and their religious needs (the document preceding this). He

places before the king the problem of collecting the tributes, which he

has recently been discussing with the clergy and friars; summarizes the

position of the latter thereon, and his own arguments with the bishop;

and complains that the latter is arrogant and self-willed. Another

letter of the same date reports his measures for fortifying the city;

he imposes a tax of two per cent on all shipments of goods from the

islands. The bishop opposes this measure, as do the members of the

late Audiencia, apparently because it touches their personal interests

too closely.

In the summer of the same year, the citizens of Manila ask that they

may be allowed to trade with the inhabitants of Macao, the Portuguese

settlement in China. Dasmariñas orders an inquiry to be made into this

matter, and has various witnesses examined. This is done according

to a detailed interrogatory--the witnesses testifying that the

Portuguese of Macao trade with the Philippine Islands, with much

profit and advantage; that the trade of Macao is rapidly increasing

in extent and range, and yet does not notably decrease the abundance

of goods to be had at that port; that, if the Spaniards trade there,

it will be much easier to introduce the gospel into China; that

hitherto no trading ships have gone from the Philippines to India;

that trade with Macao will enrich the islands; that the Portuguese at

Macao have plundered a ship sent thither by Dasmariñas; and that the

Chinese desire the trade of the Spaniards. To this are appended various

declarations and decrees which bear upon the question discussed; and,

finally, the recommendation of Dasmariñas that the king permit trade

between the islands and Macao.

Hostilities arising with the Zambales of Luzón, the governor calls

upon the religious orders for their opinion regarding the justice

of waging war against these Indians. The Augustinians make a long

and elaborate response; they state three conditions as necessary

to make a war righteous--that he who begins it must have authority,

just cause, and righteous intention. These are explained in detail, as

general precepts, and then applied to the question now before them--all

fortified by citations from doctors of law and theology, and from the

Bible. Their conclusion is that war may be justly waged against the

Zambales. They also lay down the rules which should, _ex jure gentium_,

be followed in the conduct of such war; and end by recommending that

the Zambales, when conquered, should be transplanted to some other

district, and remodeled into an agricultural people. This document

is presented in full, as a curious and interesting example of the

reasoning employed by churchmen of that time in settling questions of

public concern, and of the opinions then current regarding the laws of

war. The Dominicans mention the evil practice of head-hunting among the

hostile tribes, and declare that the latter have no right to attack, as

they have done, the peaceable tribes; on the contrary these latter have

just cause for war on the Zambales and Negrillos. To them the question

is, whether it is, in the circumstances, expedient and necessary

for the Spaniards to attack these ferocious peoples. The fathers

consider this war as justifiable; the enemy should be destroyed,

and all who are taken captive should be enslaved for a specified

time. The Jesuits consider that the first step is to ascertain who

are guilty of inciting the outrages which the Zambales have committed

against both the Spaniards and their Indian allies--whether all of

that people, or only a few; whether their chiefs, or certain lawless

individuals. When this shall be known, then the guilty, and they

only should be punished. If the tribe as a whole, or their chiefs,

are responsible, war against them is justifiable; but it should be

waged with all possible mercy and moderation. These fathers also

recommend a limited period of enslavement for captives; and that the

women and children of the conquered people shall be removed from their

country and dispersed elsewhere in small bands--a proceeding from which

"they will receive much benefit, both spiritual and corporal." But

they protest against mutilation, except for those who shall commit

individual crimes. The Franciscan guardian renders a short opinion,

to the effect that malefactors should be punished, and highways made

safe for the Indian allies. If war be necessary to accomplish this,

then war is justifiable; but therein the innocent should be spared.

A letter of congratulation to the bishop, clergy, and people of

the Philippines is sent (March 25, 1592) by Clement VIII. On May 31,

Governor Dasmariñas writes to the king. He states that he has received

no letter from his Majesty since he arrived in the islands, and fears

that his own to Spain may be lost. The islands are generally in a

prosperous condition; trade is flourishing, the religious orders

are at peace, "and, aside from the bishop, everything is quite as

it should be." The cathedral church is complete; the seminary for

girls is established, and some of its inmates have been married,

and a new house is being erected for its use. The new fort is well

under way, and some artillery has been mounted in it. New galleys have

been built, which are manned by Zambale slaves captured in war. All

trading is now done by the royal ships, which is much less expensive

and more satisfactory. Dasmariñas recommends that private shippers

be charged a moderate rate on tonnage. The Zambales have been reduced

to subjection, their country devastated, and the survivors dispersed

in various new settlements. New explorations have been made in the

interior of Luzón; one, which seemed important, had to be abandoned

on account of sickness among the troops; half the Spanish soldiers

have died. The country is in danger of attack by the Japanese, and

needs prompt and effective succor; he asks that the troops be sent

from Castilla, "and not Creoles or exiles from Mexico." The governor

is trying to secure quicksilver, on which the Chinese have given him

prices. With this letter he sends a set of rules for the hospital.

A brief account of the expedition to Tuy is furnished (June 1, 1592)

by Luis Perez, son of Dasmariñas. He has easily pacified the natives,

who are a superior race; and expects to establish a Spanish settlement

there, another year. The governor writes (June 6) to the king to make

certain explanations about his relations with Pedro de Rojas, his legal

counselor. The letter is conceited and self-willed, prejudiced and

overbearing. Dasmariñas complains that Rojas and other late auditors

have been greedy of gain in the foreign trade, and have opposed the

governor's efforts to raise funds for necessary expenses. The latter

has ascertained what their business dealings are, of which he has

sent reports to Spain. He recommends that Rojas be transferred to

some other country, preferably not Mexico. (An endorsement on the

MS. states that Rojas has been given an appointment in Mexico.) At

the end is the "register of merchandise carried in the ship 'Sant

Felippe';" all the consignors are ecclesiastics, or officials of the

Audiencia. In another letter (June 11) Dasmariñas informs the king

of a recent embassy sent to him by a king in Japan, and sends to him

translated copies of the letters which they bring, which demand from

the Spaniards subjection and tribute, to be rendered to him. In this

emergency, they are endeavoring to prepare for possible hostilities

and Dasmariñas asks that the Mexican government be commanded to

furnish troops and supplies to the Philippines. The letter of the

Japanese ruler (written in 1591) demands, with much arrogance,

that the Spaniards render him allegiance and tribute. Dasmariñas

replies cautiously, alleging that he does not understand the Japanese

language, and fears that the envoy is making false representations;

he accordingly sends an envoy (Father Juan Cobo) to carry this letter,

with a present, to the king of Japan.

Another Letter to Felipe (June 20, 1592) recounts the difficulties

which Dasmariñas had to encounter upon arriving in the Philippines. He

is disgusted with the exorbitant claims made by the soldiers

for rewards due them for their services. He finds no ships or

supplies, and no place where the latter could be kept. He is building

storehouses, and collecting what supplies he can find. He has built

such fortifications as his means permitted; for this he has levied

various duties and contributions. He has incurred the enmity of the

bishop and friars. The royal exchequer is empty, but heavily loaded

with debts--a legacy from the Audiencia. The governor objects to the

Chinese trade, and thinks that the natives of the islands should be

induced to raise and weave their own cotton. He has issued a decree

forbidding the Chinese traders to remain in the islands; this is

violently opposed by the clergy and friars. Dasmariñas warns the king

that this measure will decrease the royal income. The bishop intends to

go to Spain, and is trying to make trouble for the governor. Another

letter of the same date is devoted to an account of his difficulties

with the ecclesiastics. He complains of their arbitrary and tyrannical

conduct, and of the bishop's headstrong and obstinate disposition,

and his interference with the conduct of secular affairs. Both he

and the friars have so used their power over the Indians that the

latter "recognize no other king or superior than the father of the

doctrina, and are more attentive to his commands than to those of

the governor." Dasmariñas accuses them of practically enslaving the

natives for their own service and benefit; and the bishop of taking

for his personal use the money entrusted to him for restitutions to

the Indians. The clergy "are all better merchants than students of

Latin." The governor thinks that it will be best to send the bishop to

Spain. In another letter (July 9), he complains of the evils arising

from the unregulated marriages of the widows and minor heirs who have

inherited encomiendas, and suggests that he be empowered to control

such marriages.

Two papers unsigned and undated, but evidently emanating from the

governor, contain suggestions for precautions to be taken by the

Spaniards in view of the threatened hostilities by the Japanese. These

suggestions are submitted to a council of war and to the religious

houses, respectively. Among the former are the expulsion of Japanese

and Chinese traders from Manila; the accumulation of provisions;

agreement that no one will, if captured, accept ransom; and

establishment of a refuge in the hills near Manila for the women,

children, and sick. The religious are asked to give their opinion

on certain points: whether it would not be well to take from the

Indians their gold, as a pledge for their good behavior in the event

of hostilities; to induce the Christianized natives to remove inland

to more secure locations, there to produce rice and other supplies; to

seize the property of the Chinese and place it in the warehouses of the

city, and break up the Parián; and to oblige the encomenderos to store

in the city the provisions which they collect as tributes. Another

communication from the governor is addressed to the ecclesiastics. He

reminds them of their persistent opposition to his measures, but

urges them, in view of the common danger that threatens the colony,

to unite with him in efforts to repel it and to save the country.

A letter from Felipe to Dasmariñas (January 17, 1593) commends the

governor's faithfulness and care in his office, and replies to various

suggestions made in his dispatches. Dasmariñas is to take possession

of the hospitals for the king, restrain the assumption of authority by

the bishop, and not allow him to meddle with the payment of salaries

to the priests. The religious orders are not to interfere with civil

affairs. Dasmariñas shall appoint, in place of the bishop, a protector

of the Indians. All the tributes are to be increased by two reals; and

the royal fifth shall be exacted as soon as practicable. The soldiers

are not to be allowed to trade, beyond the amount of a few hundred

pesos; the governor may, at his discretion, permit some to return to

Nueva España. The removal of the Chinese traders from Manila is left to

the governor's judgment. Workmen in the islands are to be paid there,

from the royal treasury. The duties levied by Dasmariñas are approved

and continued. With this letter go two decrees; one (dated on the same

day) ordains that suits involving one thousand ducados or less may be

concluded in the court of the islands, and those for larger sums may

be appealed to the Audiencia of Mexico. The other (dated February 11)

restricts the trade with China to the inhabitants of the Philippines,

and forbids those of the American colonies (except those of Nueva

España) to trade, not only with China, but even with the Philippines.

_The Editors_ October, 1903.