The scope of the present volume extends from 1617 to 1620. The islands
are still ravaged at intervals by the Moro pirates from the southern
part of the archipelago. Even worse are the losses to the commerce of
the islands inflicted by the Dutch; their ships infest the seas about
Luzón, and those of the Moluccas, in which region they are steadily and
even rapidly gaining foothold, and securing the best commerce of those
lands. Corruption in the management of the Spanish interests in the
Spice Islands renders them an expensive and embarrassing possession;
and the new governor, Fajardo, finds the same influence at work in
the Spanish colony itself, especially among the auditors and other
high officials. The colonial treasury is, as usual, short of funds,
and can do little to defend the islands from the Dutch; the Madrid
government is unwilling to spend much more on the Philippines, although
beset with importunities to save that colony, and Spanish commerce
generally, from the insolent Dutch. The usual building of ships in the
islands has so harrassed and exhausted the unfortunate natives that
it is necessary to have ships built for the Philippines in India and
other countries where timber and labor are more abundant. The trade of
the colony with China is the object of much discussion, and proposals
are again made to restrict it, as well as that with Nueva España, in
order to protect the commercial interests of the mother-country. In
the final document is a detailed statement, in vigorous language,
of the abuses current in the administration of the islands--arbitrary
and oppressive conduct of the auditors, corruption among officials,
extravagant expenditure of public funds, lax enforcement of laws,
burdensome exactions imposed upon the Indians, and Chinese, etc.;
for these the citizens demand redress, prevention, and relief.
Andrés de Alcaraz, the auditor in charge of military affairs after
Silva's death, writes to the king (August 10, 1617). The ships
could not go to Nueva España in 1616, because the Dutch were lying
in wait for them; but the Acapulco galleon arrives safely at Manila,
and brings money to relieve the general distress. Alcaraz makes ready,
although in the midst of great difficulties, a fleet to drive away the
Dutch. On April 14, 1617, this Spanish fleet has a battle with the
Dutch squadron at Playa Honda. After a long and fierce contest, the
enemy take to flight, having lost several ships and much artillery,
and many of their men being killed or wounded. As soon as possible
thereafter, Alcaraz sends supplies to the Spanish forts in Ternate;
recalls Geronimo de Silva to Manila, to act as governor _ad interim_;
and despatches pilots to meet the fleet that is coming from Spain via
Cape of Good Hope. He criticizes Geronimo de Silva for his harshness
and arrogance, already displayed in many ways. Alcaraz thanks the
king for permitting him to resign his position as auditor and return
to Spain; and explains why he has not yet vacated his office. He
mentions the Philippine officials who have merited special rewards
from the crown, especially those who were prominent in the battle of
Playa Honda. Reënforcements of men have come from Spain, but with them
was no money; and the treasury of the islands is entirely empty. Its
debts are heavy, and aid is urgently requested. Through sickness and
absence, there are no auditors of the Audiencia in active service,
except Alcaraz himself.
A document unsigned and undated [_ca._ 1617] discusses the trade of
the Spanish colonies with China and Japan. This trade advances the
interests of religion in those heathen lands. Its character, methods,
and results are described in orderly array of interesting facts--first
in a general survey, then in details regarding each colony; and finally
in comparisons between the commerce of those colonies respectively
with China and Japan. Eastern India depends on this trade for its
maintenance and preservation; and the customs duties therefrom cause
larger profits to the crown than do those from the other colonies. This
income will be greatly increased, for both Castilla and Portugal, if
Nueva España and Filipinas be no longer allowed to trade with China and
Japan. The writer (apparently one of the king's councilors) suggests
various expedients for attaining this end, and closes by urging the
king to confine the Filipinas merchants to trade with Nueva España.
The events of the year from June, 1617, to June, 1618, are chronicled
by some unnamed writer (apparently one of the Jesuits in Manila). The
battle of Playa Honda deals such a blow to the Dutch power in the
archipelago that the natives in some of the Malucas Islands rebel
against it. A small English post is destroyed by the Dutch; and their
ships that flee from Playa Honda go to Japan. Their adventures in
that country are detailed. Some Dutch ships come again to the coast
of Luzón, and plunder the Chinese trading vessels as they appear;
the Spaniards cannot prevent this, as their galleons are laid up for
repairs. A shipload of supplies for the garrison and the missions at
Ternate is sent from Manila; the master of the ship, taking advantage
of the absence on shore of part of the passengers and men, steals away
with the ship and its cargo. The Jesuits secure a new supply of food
for their mission, by soliciting alms. The islands still suffer from
the depredations of the Moro pirates. The writer describes the special
festivities in honor of the Virgin Mary, and the martyrdom of some
missionaries in Japan. He then proceeds to relate the particulars of
the murder of the Augustinian provincial, Vicente Sepulveda, by some
of his own friars, and the punishment of the criminals. A postscript
to this letter states that the ships sent to Ternate with supplies
had been attacked by the Dutch; and part of the crew were killed and
wounded, and much of the food lost. Other supplies, however, have
been sent to Ternate from India. The prince of Tidore has become
hostile to the Dutch. One Sequeira makes an unsuccessful voyage,
and dies in Cochin. The new governor of the Philippines arrives at
Manila in July, 1618.
Of nearly the same date is a descriptive account of the Philippine
Islands, their inhabitants, government, products, etc.--including a
statement of the number of Indian tributes in each island, which amount
in all to 160,000. The writer notes various matters relating to the
interests and social condition of the Spanish colony, especially the
need of vigorous measures to punish the Moro pirates, who continually
harass the Pintados.
Pedro de Heredia, a Spanish official in the Moluccas, furnishes to the
king (1618) a list of the Dutch factories and forts in the Orient;
from this, and the value of the products annually exported thence,
it is evident that the Dutch have gained an extensive footing and
prestige in the Far East, together with rich profits, while the
Spaniards have lost the best part of their former commerce there. The
king is urged to consider these matters, and take measures to remedy
the present state of affairs.
A former steward of the royal hospital at Manila memorializes the
Council of the Indias (1618) regarding the losses incurred by that
institution through the mismanagement of its funds; and various orders
conducive to the improvement of the hospital are thereupon given by
the Council.
Soon after his arrival in the islands the new governor, Alonso Fajardo
de Tenza, writes to the king (August 10, 1618) regarding the state
of affairs there. He finds the colony suffering from various recent
disasters, and much fear and uncertainty among the people. He implores
aid from the king to maintain the Philippine colony and defend it from
its enemies. He is endeavoring to make the most of his scanty naval
torce, in the face of news that hostile fleets are coming to attack
the islands; and has sent to Nueva España to ask for reënforcements and
supplies. His predecessor, Geronimo de Silva, desires to go to Spain;
but the Audiencia orders an investigation of his official conduct,
especially in regard to the loss of the galleons. Fajardo recommends
that more care be taken to provide suitably for an _ad interim_
government of the islands, when such shall occur; and declines certain
perquisites of his office. Much resentment against the Audiencia
is felt among the people, since the best offices and incomes in the
islands are appropriated by relatives and dependents of the auditors,
who seem bent on exploiting the colony for their own profit, and
oppress the inhabitants; and Fajardo asks the king to check their
selfishness and arrogance. He is trying to correct certain illegal
proceedings by the auditors in their recent government _ad interim_,
and asks the king to suspend his confirmation of these until he
can send further information thereon; he makes the same request in
regard to other cases where certain persons are intriguing to obtain
profitable appointments. He asks for skilled clerks and galley-masters;
and, after recounting the injuries caused to the Indians by the
building of galleys in the islands, he states that he will endeavor
to procure vessels in Portuguese India. Some private persons in the
islands are building ships, but the Indian labor employed thereon
is paid and voluntary. Fajardo makes some suggestions for the better
management of naval affairs. He also forwards the request of Manila
citizens that encomiendas be granted for three lives; and asks for
rewards for certain brave military and naval officers. The Audiencia
finally compel Geronimo de Silva to furnish his residencia in person,
and clear himself from charges made against him.
To the governor's letter are appended several others, which concern
Malucan affairs. Manuel Ribeyra, a Jesuit, states that the governor
there, Gaviria, has fortified the Spanish posts in his care, which are
in unusually good condition; certain supplies, however, are needed for
them, as also a better class of subaltern officers. Gaviria is somewhat
overbearing in disposition, but Ribeyra commends his ability. That
officer himself writes to Fajardo, explaining why he cannot at
present fill the governor's order for a quantity of cloves. The
Dutch and English are contending with each other in the Moluccas;
and the former, it is said, are intending to attack the Spanish forts
there soon. Gaviria has but few men, and some of these are unfit for
duty. He needs a few galleys, as he has "only one rotten galliot";
also troops, money, and clothing. Gaviria thinks that the Dutch are
being to some extent supplanted by the English; and that the latter
will gladly unite with the Spaniards against the common enemy. He
recommends the abandonment of the Spanish posts in Gilolo. A letter
from the king of Tidore accompanies Gaviria's letter, in which that
ruler demands that Fajardo succor the Spanish forts promptly.
Letters from the king to Fajardo (December 19, 1618) give him orders
regarding certain matters in the administration of the Philippine
government. Offices shall be given to these citizens of the islands
who deserve rewards for meritorious services. The alarming expenses of
the Maluco establishment are not counterbalanced by any returns from
the spice-trade there, and it is openly declared that the Spanish
officials have embezzled what profits might have accrued therefrom
to the royal treasury. Fajardo is therefore ordered to investigate
this matter and punish those who may be guilty; and to take charge,
for the present, of the conduct of the clove-trade at Ternate. The
force of men there should be reduced, if practicable; and certain forts
in Maluco should be abandoned. In these and other ways expenses must
be reduced. The governor and the archbishop must warn the religious
orders to cease their exactions upon the Indians. A separate letter
warns the governor that expenses must be reduced to the utmost; and
that he must maintain the colony on its own revenues, without aid
from the government. He is advised to endeavor to open and work the
mines in the islands; but in doing so he must not molest or injure the
Indians. He should endeavor to enlist their aid in this undertaking,
and the missionaries should use their influence with the natives.
The Jesuit Joan de Ribera writes to some high official in Spain
(December 20, 1618), urging the importance of Manila and the
Philippines, and the necessity of opposing the progress that the Dutch
are making in India, Japan, and the archipelago, so as to preserve for
Spain the rich trade of the East. Another most important consideration
is the need of maintaining these islands as a center for religious
labors among the heathen tribes.
A naval officer, Sebastian de Pineda, sends from Nueva España (1619)
to the king a paper on ships and shipbuilding in the Philippines. He
begins by describing various kinds of timber used for this purpose;
then enumerates, the shipyards in the islands, and the wages paid to
the workmen. Fourteen hundred carpenters were formerly employed at
one time in the Cavite shipyard alone; but half of them were killed
or captured by the Moros in 1617, many have died from overwork, and
many others have fled to parts unknown because they had been unpaid
for five years. Iron is brought to Manila from China and Japan,
and wrought by the Chinese and Indian artisans; the Chinese smith
"works from midnight until sunset," and earns less than one real a
day. Iron should be imported from Biscay, however, for some special
purposes. Much useful information is given as to the material, quality,
and prices of rigging and canvas. Pineda makes recommendations as
to the shipment to Manila of various articles, showing how present
expenses may be lessened, and waste avoided, in many ways. He states
that the naval defense of the islands is quite inadequate, and they
are consequently in danger of being seized by the Dutch. But it is
at present impossible to build in the islands the ships needed there;
for the natives are exhausted by the labors and exactions imposed upon
them in previous years, and by the deaths of so many at the hands of
the enemy or through the hardships of enforced naval service. Pineda
recommends that the ships needed for the islands be built in India or
Cochin, and that slaves be brought thence to serve on the Philippine
galleys. Many Filipino natives are migrating to Nueva España, which
should be checked. One reason for this is the fact that these Filipinos
distil palm-wine, which will soon ruin the wine-trade of Spain in Nueva
España. The incursions of the Mindanao pirates have also been a serious
obstacle to shipbuilding in the Philippines; and they have rendered the
use of La Caldera, as a station for the Spanish vessels, impossible,
while they welcome the Dutch to their shores. Pineda recommends that
the king proclaim that any one who wishes may wage war upon and enslave
these Mindanao infidels, as thus only can they be subdued. He ends with
a report on the measurements of the galleons in the islands in 1617.
A royal decree dated February 19, 1619, confirms the ordinance enacted
by the dean and cabildo of Manila cathedral, refusing benefices and
ecclesiastical dignities to religious who have been expelled from
their orders.
The Dominican missionary Diego Aduarte proposes to the Council of
the Indias (probably in May, 1619) a means to check the outflow
of silver from Nueva España to the Philippines. Aduarte recommends
that the trade of the islands with Nueva España be suppressed, and
that their inhabitants be allowed to trade with Japan, selling in
that country the silks that they buy from the Chinese. But the bulk
of this trade is already in the hands of the Portuguese of Macao;
in order that it may be monopolized by Manila, Aduarte advises that
Macao be abandoned, and its inhabitants transported to other cities of
India. This can be accomplished easily by a royal decree forbidding
them to engage in the Japanese trade, which would compel them to go
elsewhere. He enumerates the beneficial results of this measure,
and declares that even without these Macao should be abandoned;
for its people are lawless and irreligious, and are not even vassals
of Spain, but of China. The Portuguese of Macao are needed in India,
which country would be benefited in many ways by the measure proposed,
as also would the kingdoms of Spain and Portugal. Moreover, they
hinder, by their evil example, the conversion of the Chinese natives.
One of the Manila Jesuits writes (July 12, 1619) an account of
events in the Philippines and in the neighboring countries during the
past year. The city of Bassein, near Bombay, has been destroyed by
storms and earthquakes. In China there has been a persecution of the
Christians, and four Jesuits were expelled from the empire. Others
remain there, who are preaching the gospel wherever they can. In
certain inland districts, these missionaries have encountered a large
colony of Jews, and a people who worship the cross, although they are
heathens. The Tartars have invaded Chinese territory, and our writer
copies the text of a memorial regarding this invasion, sent by the
mandarins of Pekin to the ruler of China, detailing the defeats and
misfortunes suffered by the Chinese. They complain of his neglect of
public affairs, and his harsh treatment of a certain mandarin, and
ask him to take measures to drive back the Tartars, in Cochinchina the
recently-begun missions of the Jesuits are prospering. For the Japanese
mission are coming a large reënforcement of Jesuit missionaries; but
affairs there are so disturbed that they cannot enter the country at
present. The writer recounts various omens and portents which are said
to have occurred in China and Japan. In the latter country, a fierce
persecution of the Christians serves but to display the steadfastness
and zeal of both the missionaries and their converts. Several naval
encounters between the Dutch and the English and Portuguese are
narrated. Good news comes from the Moluccas: the petty king of Manados,
with many of his chiefs, is converted to the Christian faith; Tidore
and Ternate are at war; and Maluco is well supplied. Both Dutch and
Spaniards are building more forts in those islands. Other European
nations also are acquiring a foothold in the archipelago. The writer
describes two remarkable comets which have been visible in Manila. A
plague of locusts is destroying the grain-crops. In October, 1618,
the Dutch again come to Luzón to plunder the Chinese merchant vessels;
but they do not attack Manila, and in the following spring they depart
from the islands, perhaps overawed by the forces of ships and guns
which the Spaniards collect.
Pedro de Arce, bishop of Cebú, writes to the king (July 30, 1619);
he praises Governor Fajardo, and asks the king to send more ships
to his aid. The bishop asks permission to resign his see, and more
salary as acting archbishop; recommends Pedro de Heredia to the king;
asks that an _ad interim_ appointment in the cathedral may receive
royal confirmation, and that the Cebú church may receive a grant
for repairs and further income. He requests that the ecclesiastical
cabildo of Manila may be authorized to rule the archbishopric,
in case of the death of the archbishop. It is reported that the
Jesuits are endeavoring to oust the other orders from Japan, which
Arce deprecates, advising the king to confirm the appointment of the
Franciscan Luis Sotelo as bishop of eastern Japan. Arce's requests
regarding the archbishopric of Manila are seconded by various papers
appended to his letter, embodying the opinions of the auditors and
royal officials thereon, who support Arce's claims.
A letter from Fajardo to the king (August 10, 1619) gives his report on
various matters of importance. He has received certain reënforcements
and supplies from Mexico, but urges that these be sent every year. He
describes the last incursion of the Dutch in Philippine waters, and his
military preparations by which they were obliged to retreat thence. His
resources for defense are small, and he cannot depend upon India for
aid, as the Portuguese there are themselves in straits; accordingly,
the king must send a fleet from Spain for the aid of the islands. He
has aided Ternate to the best of his ability, and will send more
when he can. The governor there has resigned his post, after many
complaints of his rule; Fajardo has made a temporary appointment,
and asks the king to provide further for this post. The English
in the archipelago are engaged in conflicts with the Dutch, and it
is rumored that the former would like to ally themselves with the
Spaniards to fight their mutual foe. Fajardo is perplexed regarding
the king of Ternate, who is still held a prisoner at Manila; and
asks for instructions. He makes various recommendations and requests
concerning the appointment of certain subordinates, desiring to secure
persons most fit therefor. He has attempted to correct abuses in the
government, which he recounts in detail. Fajardo has been annoyed by
constant quarrels in the Audiencia, but, with the somewhat reluctant
aid of the old auditor Alcaraz, has been able to quiet them in part. He
has found in both Alcaraz and the archbishop Serrano, most judicious
and helpful counselors; but the other auditors are on bad terms with
him, and one of them has a scandalous reputation, both public and
private. A scandal has occurred in the seminary of Santa Potenciana,
but the guilty have been punished. Conflicts of jurisdiction have
arisen between Fajardo and the Audiencia, especially in regard to the
trials of soldiers and sailors for crimes. The governor complains that
retired officers refuse to serve in the regular companies; and asks
that extra pay be allowed them as an inducement for such service. He
asks for directions as to his sending the usual gifts to the emperor
of Japan. The loyalty and bravery of the Spanish citizens of Manila
are warmly commended, especially in the case of Juan Ronquillo and some
others who are named. Certain intrigues and frauds have been detected,
which are recounted. Fajardo recommends that more Jesuits be sent to
the islands; he complains that the Dominicans are too ready to leave
their work, but commends the Augustinians. A short document appended
to Fajardo's letter concerns the relative merits of the routes to
Filipinas via Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn respectively.
A group of papers dated 1610-19 shows that an encomienda of Indians
was granted to the seminary of Santa Potenciana for its support,
in consequence of the destitution suffered by its inmates.
An important document is that sent--in two memorials, of 1619 and
March, 1620, respectively--to the king by Hernando de los Rios Coronel,
long procurator-general of the Filipinas, on "reforms needed" in the
islands--of which he has been despatched by the citizens to inform
the king. Accordingly, he writes (apparently at Madrid) a detailed
statement of the "matters that demand reform." Serious losses of
life and property have been caused by the delays in despatching the
trading ships from Manila; the governors should be compelled to send
them at the favorable season. The officials on these vessels should
be appointed from among the deserving citizens of the islands,
and not be the relatives or servants of the governor or other
royal officials. The citizens have been greatly defrauded in the
assignment of lading on the galleons, and too much of this is granted
to charitable institutions. The trading ships should not be used for
any other purposes. The Manila authorities buy ammunition and other
supplies in China, which, "in order not to anger the Portuguese in
Macan," they buy from them rather than from the natives, but the
supplies thus cost three times their value; the agent who buys them
should buy wherever he can do so to the best advantage, and directly
from the Chinese. The royal ships should be built in India, and the
burden of enforced service in this work should be removed from the
Indians. Commerce from Japan to Nueva España should be stopped; and
Spaniards should not be allowed to man Japanese vessels. An enemy
can close Manila harbor to all vessels desiring to enter; another
route to it should therefore be devised and made available. The Moro
pirates must be prevented from harassing the islands, and the best
means for this end is to proclaim that any one who will may capture
and enslave those pirates. No royal official should be allowed to
attend the session of the Audiencia in which a case concerning him
is tried. When Filipino natives serve as soldiers, their families
should during their absence be relieved from tributes and other
impositions. The ecclesiastical affairs of the Malucas should be
under the jurisdiction of Cebú, not of Goa. The commanders of the
trading ships should not be allowed to carry on the trade that they
now do; and the officials at Acapulco should be checked in making
extortionate charges. Ignorant and inefficient men should not be
placed in the ships as sailors. The common seamen therein (who are
Filipino natives) are inhumanly treated, and many of them die from
hunger, thirst, or cold, on each voyage. Slave women are carried on
the ships, in spite of the royal prohibition; and thus arise "many acts
offensive to God," and much cause for scandal. No sailor or passenger
(unless a person of rank) should be allowed to take with him more
than one male slave. Numerous other abuses are mentioned, regarding
the traffic in slaves, the treatment of seamen, and the overloading of
ships. The Chinese at Manila are oppressed by the royal officials--who,
moreover, appropriate their own household supplies of food from the
royal storehouses at the lowest possible prices. Municipal officers
and other leading citizens should not be compelled, as now, to live on
their encomiendas. Flour, rigging, and many other supplies should be
obtained in the islands, instead of being imported from Nueva España;
a great saving of money would be thus effected. The oppressive acts
of the friars toward the Indians should be checked; and no more
orders should be allowed to establish themselves in the islands. The
Chinese immigrants in Luzón should be collected in one community,
and induced to cultivate the soil. No relative or dependent of any
royal official should be allowed to hold a seat in the cabildo of
Manila, or to act as inspector of the Chinese trading vessels. More
religious are needed in the missions. The Chinese residents should
be treated more justly, and relieved from burdensome exactions. The
Japanese who come to Manila should be compelled to return to their
own country. No more ships should be built by the natives, and they
should be paid the arrearages which are due them.
The other memorial by Rios Coronel (March, 1620) is additional and
supplementary to the former one. He asks that regidors of Manila
be chosen by the Audiencia, and allowed some compensation for their
services; and that the governor be not allowed to compel the cabildo
to meet in his house. He blames the friars for transferring Indians
from the encomiendas to settlements near Manila, where these natives
are kept merely for the profit of the friars, and, moreover, become
greatly demoralized. The grant of licenses to Chinamen to reside in
the islands should be more carefully regulated; and they should in
no case be allowed to sleep within the walls of Manila. The Japanese
are also an undesirable element of the population, and their coming
to the islands should be restricted. The "commons," or reserve
supplies of rice, contributed by the Indians do them no good,
for these are plundered by the Spanish officials; and the number
of these oppressors has been unduly increased. Other injuries are
inflicted upon the natives, for whose protection the writer pleads;
and these unjust acts are committed by both the officials and the
religious. Rios Coronel objects to the practice in vogue of giving the
Indians military training; and to the traffic in slaves from Malacca,
which brings to the Philippines dangerous and criminal blacks. Public
suits should be tried and decided in the Audiencia, and not sent to
Mexico. The governors should not be allowed to treat the citizens
with insolence; and should be obliged to send the trading ships to
Mexico at the right season, in order to avoid the present frequent
loss of property and lives in wrecked vessels. Another cause of these
losses is the culpable neglect and recklessness of royal officials
and governors. Various abuses in the equipment, lading, and management
of the trading vessels are pointed out, with the corrective measures
that should be taken. The fertile and healthful province of Nueva
Segovia is neglected, and its population is decreasing; this should
be remedied by the colonial authorities. Rios Coronel asks for the
appointment of a competent and reliable shore-master to aid him
in the equipment and despatch of the ships, and for more thorough
inspection of what is done by royal officials in the islands; for
the latter purpose he recommends a choice from several ecclesiastics
whom he names. The Moro pirates still ravage the islands, and the king
should permit them to be enslaved by any one who may capture them. The
head-hunting Zambales and Negrillos of Luzón continually harass the
peaceable Pampangos; and this can only be stopped by allowing the
Pampangos to enslave these foes when captured. The Filipino natives
have been almost ruined by the exactions of forced labor imposed upon
them by the Spaniards, especially in the building and navigation of
vessels. Rios Coronel says: "As I have seen personally, and as all the
inhabitants of that country know, the galleys of the Filipinas are
their destruction." Rios Coronel describes the sort of vessel which
should be used in the islands (one of which he has built at his own
cost), and asks that such be furnished for the use of the colony. The
garrison at Manila is insufficient and demoralized; and the writer
makes various recommendations for improving its status. Many persons
in the artillery service are incompetent; the writer demands a sort
of civil-service test for those appointed to such places. He also
asks for a competent artillery-founder. Better provisions should be
made for the ecclesiastical government of the islands. He asks that
silver bullion from Japan may be legalized as money in the Philippines;
and concludes with the request that the religious and the officials
there be compelled to treat the Indians more kindly. A letter by Rios
Coronel, included in this document, is deferred to _Vol_. XIX.
The Editors
August, 1904.