_By Antonio de Morga_
What is to be said of the condition of affairs in these Philipinas
Islands is as follows:
_Instruction and instructors of the Indians_
1. The evil example set by the religious through their vices, indecent
behavior, gambling, banquets, and festivities.
2. They trade and make a profit in their districts, from rice, wax,
wine, gold, boats, fowls, cloth, and deerskins, to the great detriment
of the Indians, as well as that of the entire country.
3. They deal openly in merchandise of the above-mentioned articles,
as well as in those of China, in the trade with Nueva España.
4. They usurp the royal jurisdiction, hearing, according to the due
forms of law, suits among the Indians. They have stocks, prisons,
and place of detention, where they vex, whip, and otherwise afflict
the Indians, compelling these to obey the laws they themselves make,
rather than those of the king's magistrates.
5. They distress the Indians by demanding their services as rowers;
and contributions of rice, wine, fowls, and other things, with but
slight payment, or even none.
6. They employ many more Indians than are necessary, who serve in
many capacities without pay.
7. They levy many excessive fees for baptisms, weddings, and funerals,
and then neglect to reserve the episcopal tax.
8. They erect large churches, houses, and monasteries for only one
friar, or at the most for two. They often remodel and rebuild these
edifices at a great expense to the royal treasury, encomenderos,
and Indians.
9. They put forth strenuous efforts to oblige the Indians to bequeath
at least a third of their gold and wealth to the monasteries, for
which gifts they receive more honor at their death, so that others
may be roused to do likewise. Those who do not thus give are buried
like beasts.
10. In the churches alms-boxes and chests are placed, in which they
compel both men and women alike to drop their offering each one singly,
diminishing their property.
11. They insist on the continual formation of brotherhoods and erection
of shrines, so that these may be endowed and adorned and may receive
new alms--the Indians understanding no more of the matter than the
display and ostentation of the offering.
12. Every monastery has, usually, a great many festivities, which
are all attended by the friars throughout the whole province. These
are accompanied by many Indians, for the purpose of bearing their
hammocks, rowing for them, and acting in other capacities. Thus,
year after year, the friars go from one village to another, dragging
the Indians after them, and causing great expense.
13. The religious levy many contributions on the Indians for the
expense of their festivities, for triumphal arches, castles, and
dances. These entertainments are receptions which they compel the
Indians to tender, as a welcome, to their provincials and priors,
to whom breakfasts and dinners are given also. These festivities
occur frequently, and are conducted with much worldly show and expense.
14. They are very careful to exact that all the Indian girls,
especially the young and most beautiful, appear at the gates of the
monastery every day. They converse with them, showing partiality to the
handsomest among them. When a new prior arrives or any other person
for whom the religious wish to make a special display, these Indian
girls dress themselves carefully and call to see them. Besides this,
there are other things which it would be offensive to tell.
15. The superiors commonly send young friars of but little education
and no very good example to these curacies. Their conduct is such
that the Indians hate them as enemies. Thus the Indians profit but
little by the instruction, and acquire a distaste for the law of God
and His gospel.
16. They generally spend their time disputing with the
alcaldes-mayor. Especially if the latter do not coincide in all their
opinions, they persecute and harass them, until they even compel them
to leave the country.
17. They accept and encourage complaints and tales by private persons,
even though they may be false and unjust; for this enables them to
preach to and reprove the people and also the ministers of justice,
so that they themselves may be feared and respected. And they do this
with great indecorum and license.
18. By means of special study and persistent effort, they strive
to participate in government affairs. They desire to have a hand in
everything, and to take part in all matters, through the medium of
conscience and theology, by means of which they interpret and pick
flaws in his Majesty's ordinances. But rarely do they allow his orders
to be executed, unless quite to their taste and liking.
19. Many of them undeniably have contracts with the factors,
encomenderos, and known capitalists in the trade with España.
20. They are attended by a great following of Indian boys, who serve
as pages and servants. These are well dressed, wearing liveries and
gold chains. They carry their hats for them in the streets, while
in the monastery they assist them in the cells. Each one, however,
has his own special servant.
21. These servants, together with other Indians whom they have with
them, who are taught to play on the guitar and other instruments, are
made to dance, execute lively songs and dances, and to sing profane
and immodest tunes. Thus they entertain their guests, setting a bad
example to the Indians, without profiting anyone.
22. When they find themselves gainers in wealth, their principal
thought is to try to return to España with their profits. This
disturbs many here, for by divers ways and means they endeavor to
obtain permission to carry out their design.
23. The orders send many each year, under the pretext that they are
going on business for the order. They do not take into consideration
that they are needed here, nor the expense to his Majesty in sending
them.
24. The more spiritual among them try to go to China, Xapon, Camboxa,
and other kingdoms, in order to preach the gospel, unmindful of their
duties here, for which they were brought. This anxiety makes them
restless, and they invent journeys and conquests which disturb the
rulers and the Spaniards. All this gives rise to other objectionable
things.
25. They will accept no curacy in any province, unless rich enough to
suit them. They abandon the rest, so that there are many islands and
provinces whose people ask for baptism but are unable to obtain it, for
the lack of persons to administer it as well as to impart instruction
and to live with the Indians to see that they do not apostatize.
26. Many of the religious treat the Indians very cruelly, just as
if they were slaves or dogs. On failure to please, they are beaten,
or subjected to any penalty that presents itself, on the pretext that
they were remiss in attention to religious instruction.
_Ecclesiastical judges and prelates_
27. They meddle with the royal jurisdiction. Hitherto they have not
been restrained, for they would immediately pronounce excommunication
and offer other insults.
28. In the cases tried by them, they practice notorious coercion,
insulting the parties to the case, executing all that they decide
and determine, whether right or wrong--and all this without having
any education, or having any person to guide them.
29. The religious have attorneys who speak both languages, and
interpreters, whom they invest with authority, and from whom the
Indians suffer innumerable offenses and many grievances.
30. Their officials and clerks collect excessive fees and do not keep
to the fixed rate.
31. Although his Majesty had ordered no pecuniary fines to be
imposed on the Indians for any cause or pretext whatsoever, they
are compelled to pay fines of gold and reals, which decrease their
property and estate.
32. Some of the judges are quite at variance with others, especially
in regard to conservators; and they excommunicate one another and the
town, with considerable offense and scandal. Bulls and briefs have
been published, unknown to, and not passed or received by, the council.
33. When complaint is made of the excesses and crimes of any
ecclesiastic or religious, their superiors do not punish them. On
the contrary, saying that it does not befit the dignity of religion
to say that they have committed crimes and that they have received
punishment, they let the matter drop.
34. The ecclesiastics and religious quietly take away from and add to
the instruction at will, and without the supervision of the governor
and the ecclesiastical superior, contrary to his Majesty's orders. This
occasions many difficulties. They do not allow the bishop to visit
their curacies, for fear that the injustice of their action will
be discovered.
_Secular government_
35. Negligence and carelessness exist in making the laws, and more
in enforcing them, in regard to matters pertaining to the care and
advancement of this kingdom, and its good government--and especially
to the royal decrees sent by his Majesty, most of which are suspended
or not effectively observed.
36. Concerning provisions and all other necessities for human
existence, each one is a law unto himself, does what he pleases, and
sells as he wishes, without any fixed price, measure, or system. Hence
provisions are growing steadily worse and dearer. The natives and
Chinese trade, bartering and retailing, which, as above stated, results
in the injury and high price of provisions, while the merchandise is
adulterated or counterfeited.
37. The thorough efforts which are needed are not made to prevent
the natives from becoming vagabonds and idlers; and to make them
cease to be peddlers and traders for gain. They must be induced to
cultivate the soil, make their cloth, and occupy themselves with
their different kinds of work, as they did formerly. Then the land
was more productive and they were better off.
38. It is necessary rigorously to restrict the Chinese from going
about as they now do among these islands for trade and profit, without
any system, robbing the country, enhancing the value of articles,
and imparting many bad habits and sins to the natives. They also
explore the ports and harbor entrances, and reconnoiter the country,
that they may be able to work some injury when occasion offers.
39. It would be very advantageous forcibly to eject all the Sangleys
who are scattered throughout the islands--namely, those who are
protected by the alcaldes-mayor and the religious--because of the money
that they take out of the country, and the injury they cause to it.
40. These Sangleys should not be allowed to have parians in certain
towns of the islands, where there are but few Spaniards. The justices
harbor them there for their own profit, and the harvests that they
gather from them and their ships, as in Manila. This might prove
very harmful and injurious, and renders it necessary that, at the
very least, the ship coming to trade shall dispose of its cargo as
quickly as possible, and return to China with all those who came in it.
41. It is only just that, when the Sangleys arrive with their ships,
they should observe the proclamations issued which prohibit them
from bringing many people. Penalties should be exacted, and when
the Sangleys return they should take as many people as they can,
thus relieving the country from the many here who are an injury to it.
42. We must endeavor to have them sell the merchandise brought by
them from China freely to any person who wishes to buy; and we must
see that no advantage is taken of anyone, either in their ships or on
land, under severe penalties intended to prevent such acts--from which
arise obvious injustice, and the increase of the price of their wares.
43. An order must be given to the Chinese to sail early for these
islands, so that, during the month of May, their goods shall be sold,
and their ships go on the return voyage. This is the best thing, both
for the safety of their voyage, and the prevention of so excessive
prices on their goods.
44. We must endeavor to have them bring good merchandise, not defective
or spurious. As they are an unscrupulous race, they adulterate the
goods, which they would not do if they saw that notice was taken of
their action, and that the goods that were not up to the standard
were burned.
45. All possible care must be taken to prevent their trusting their
goods to Spaniards, for without knowing them, the Sangleys let them
have the goods at an enhanced price, without personal security; and
afterward the Sangleys tire themselves and us in trying to collect
the money, so that credit is lost.
46. Action should be taken, so that these Sangleys should
not be afflicted as at present by any judges, constables, and
interpreters--who, by various pretexts and calumnies, cheat and rob
them, and perpetrate much fraud, coercion, and bribery.
47. The great number of Sangley interpreters must be decreased. These
serve for no other purpose than to commit innumerable acts of bribery,
corruption, and fraud with the Chinese.
48. It would be much better for the Chinese who become Christians not
to dress like Spaniards. The latter should resume their accustomed
labors so that it might not be necessary for many Sangleys to remain
in the country to perform the needful service. They should cultivate
and till the soil, which they do not do at present, because of which
arise many bad results.
49. Measures must be taken to enforce his Majesty's decree, under
severe penalties, so that the royal officials, clerks, and guards
who register and appraise the merchandise of the Sangleys in their
vessels, shall not take the goods for themselves, or pick out the best,
or give promissory notes. This is very unjust and oppressive.
50. The Chinese captains and merchants should be ordered, under
penalty of being imprisoned and fined, to bring saltpeter, iron,
and other metals, which they have refused to bring of later years,
and of which there is great need.
51. When the Sangley ships are about to depart, they are ballasted
and loaded with lumber. This should be prohibited, for they fell the
trees for this, and in a short time there will be a lack of wood here.
52. All the Japanese coming hither in their vessels would better
be sent back to Xapon. Not one should be allowed to settle in this
kingdom.
53. Those already here should be banished to their own country, for
they are of no benefit or utility; but, on the contrary, very harmful.
54. On departing, the Japanese are wont to take cargoes of silk and
gold, which are merchandise intended for Xapon. This should not
be allowed until the Spaniards have made their purchases, for it
increases the price of silk.
55. The Japanese and Chinese strive to take many deerskins as
merchandise from these islands to Xapon. They hunt for these, and
buy them from the Indians and even the religious, who give and sell
them. This traffic must be stopped, for it is very injurious to the
country, as the animals are killed solely for their skins, and thus
the supply of game will become exhausted.
56. The flour, biscuits, and wax brought from Xapon are suitable
commodities for this country. Some persons have already become so
keen in their plans to dispose of these goods that they buy them
by wholesale, store them, and retail them. This must be prohibited,
and an order issued to the effect that this state shall be provided
and supplied with them at moderate rates.
57. It does not appear that the alcaldes and regidors of Manila use
their offices to the good of the state, but each for his own private
interests. They must be instructed in their duties, and punished for
any negligence.
58. There is no system in regard to the provision of beef, for
there is no one who is compelled to provide it. What there is,
is not properly cleaned. It is not cut, divided, or weighed with
equality and fairness. As the regidors and people in authority are
the owners of the cattle, they weigh and sell them as they please,
without observing any system.
59. There is likely to be a scarcity of rice, for the city does not
make the necessary provision for it. Those who have this grain--the
encomenderos--hoard it and make a profit from it, selling it to the
Sangleys at high rates; and thus it becomes dear. The same thing is
true of fowls. The rate fixed is not observed, and no one takes any
pains to enforce it.
60. Fish is the most abundant and most general food supply. The
Indians do not occupy themselves, as formerly, in fishing, but leave
this work to the Chinese. These avaricious and interested people have
raised the prices, an evil that must be restrained and checked.
61. The fishing is done with salambaos, [7] and with fine-meshed nets;
with which they block up the bay and kill the small fish. These nets
ought not be employed, and the size of the mesh should be regulated so
that the supply of fish will not be exhausted; for already experience
has demonstrated that they are not so abundant as formerly.
62. We have gardeners and kitchen-gardens now. Although there were
none before, yet the price of vegetables has increased beyond any
former price. This occurs because of the lack of fixed rates, and
because a man is kept on guard in the market-place to prevent robbery
by the soldiers and other people. Now this man allows whatever price
the Sangleys may name, which results to his profit; for they pay him
for it, while he strives only to keep them satisfied.
63. Considerable trouble exists here in regard to the current silver
money, because the Sangleys generally cut and clip it, and because they
cut into many pieces the single reals for the trade in small articles,
for which formerly they bartered with rice. This truly serious abuse
must be corrected by an ordinance.
64. In both the conduct and dress of men and women, unwarrantable
extravagance and license exist. Rich and poor, and chiefs and common
people alike, all wish to dress in fine garments, have their wives
carried in chairs attended by pages, have carpets in the churches,
and many other unwarrantable luxuries, from which arise many
difficulties. As far as possible this condition of affairs must
be remedied.
65. In Manila the men are accustomed to gamble for enormous and
excessive stakes; whatever of this sort is especially objectionable
should be corrected. During the visits and intercourse of the women,
their chief diversion is to play cards, and more commonly than is
becoming to their station. Men are admitted to these games, from
which might arise greater evils. This matter requires attention.
66. For very just and necessary considerations, the Sangleys have
not been allowed to sleep in the city. This measure should still be
enforced rigorously.
67. There are a great number of Indians, both men and women, in the
city of Manila, who are vagabonds of evil life, living in the houses of
the Spaniards. Their own houses they use for receiving the goods stolen
by their slaves, and for their revelries. The Spaniards aid them,
and thus waste the provisions. They are retailers and secretly buy up
the provisions at wholesale. They commit other sins and do much harm,
as is notorious. Therefore it is necessary that they be expelled from
the city and sent to their villages and parishes, and made to work.
68. The country is becoming filled with black slaves and Cafres,
[8] brought by the Portuguese, and these are the worst that the
Portuguese have. They do a great deal of damage, transgress the law,
and will cause the ruin of this city and country; for they rebel at
least every year, seize vessels, and take flight, committing many
outrages and thefts. It is contrary to the law to bring these slaves,
unless very young, but this law is poorly observed. It is advisable
to take the measures necessary in this matter.
69. Large fires have occurred in the city of Manila, and are constantly
occurring. Although many of the buildings and houses are of stone,
still many are made of wood, or of bamboo thatched with leaves of
the nipa palm. It was decreed that all be covered with roof tiles,
but this law is not rigorously enforced. It is advisable to have this
law observed, both to diminish the danger, and for the well-being of
the city.
70. The streets of the city are in poor condition, and are very
uneven. During the rainy season, they are almost impassable, and
should be repaired.
71. In regard to the public works of the city--the cabildo's hall,
the prison, and the slaughter-house--they should be constructed as
soon as possible, for their absence causes great hardship.
72. The Sangleys are buying gardens, estates, and other country
property, which may prove harmful. They are also establishing
themselves in these lands, and in the houses of some of the orders,
contrary to his Majesty's ordinance. The small size of this country
may render this more harmful than in other countries.
73. Monasteries have occupied several of the streets of the city, and
a portion of the space between the fortifications and the houses. This
needs investigation.
74. In the offices and places of gain belonging to the country, the
men employed should be selected with regard to merit and skill, and
for no other reason. Especially if they are incapable, or excluded
by royal decrees, should they be refused employment.
75. The same with regard to the provision for repartimientos and
encomiendas of the Indians.
76. The people of the country wish to be maintained in peace and
justice. They desire the punishment of all crimes, but object, on
account of the newness of the country, to penalties which affect
property, in the case of insignificant offenses.
77. It is requisite that, in the treatment of their persons,
and especially of those who merit consideration, those who are in
authority show the people respect, courtesy, and affability.
78. Those in authority must avoid having a great following of servants
and retainers; and those that they do have they must pay and recompense
from their own pockets, and must not bestow on them the offices or
profits of the country. This is a very unjust proceeding, as there is
not sufficient even for those who serve, because of the small extent
of this country.
79. Those in authority must refuse to allow such servants and friends
to trade and make contracts, and to buy goods at wholesale and to
embark in commercial enterprises; because they exercise much coercion
and inflict many wrongs--spreading the report that it is on behalf
of those in authority. No one, therefore, dares to institute a suit
against them.
80. The said relations, servants, and friends of those in authority
ought not to be permitted to become regidors or city officials;
for besides being incapable of filling such positions, and having no
experience in the ways of this country, they only serve to deprive
the others who fill these offices of freedom of action, so that no
necessary measures can be enacted in their cabildos, if it is at all
against the will of those in authority.
81. His Majesty's orders, contained in many decrees, to the effect that
none but inhabitants of these islands should engage in trade here, must
be put into rigid execution, as well as all else in them concerning
the inhabitants, for this is the only salvation for the country.
82. In regard to the weight and cargo in the vessels sailing to Nueva
España, it is essential that those in authority protect the citizens,
since there is but one August and one harvest. They should strive to
allow the citizens to pursue their occupations freely and leisurely,
and to have the cargo loaded by those only who can justly do so.
83. Just as it is requisite to use restraint sometimes, in order to
prevent the troops in this land from going on some enterprises, so
likewise expeditions and pacifications must be arranged as a means of
employing them; for as idlers they gain nothing, nor does the country
receive any profit. At other times it is necessary to allow some to
return to España, for thus others will lose their fear of coming to
this country.
84. The hospitals, especially that for the Spaniards, ought to be
greatly favored, as they are the asylums for all the needy. The same
is true of the house of Santa Potenciana.
_Affairs of war_
85. Those in authority must not give the companies or other garrisons
into the charge of their relatives, friends, or servants, especially if
they are mere youths and of but little experience. This is a notorious
wrong, since there are so many deserving men who are suffering and
dying from hunger.
86. Every man in the royal garrison must serve in case of war, and
none should be excused because of being a relative, servant, or friend,
or for any other reason. There are many who are thus excused.
87. The captains and officers ought to be more painstaking in
disciplining and drilling their soldiers, and in knowing what arms
they possess, and whether they are in good condition. The men should
be well treated, disciplined, and thoroughly under control. They
should not gamble away or sell their clothes or arms.
88. When a soldier commits any crime for which he merits punishment,
his captain must not hide or palliate the offense, in order to save
him from prison or from being punished--as is done quite commonly,
to the great injury of all.
89. It is indispensable that the walls and fort should be always kept
in repair and garrisoned.
90. The same is true in regard to the artillery, of which there should
be a good supply, but of which there is at present a great lack.
91. Warships ready for any emergency are needed; but at present we
have none.
92. There are but few arms in the armory, and those few are rotten
and out of order. This need is notorious; and all classes of weapons,
especially muskets and arquebuses, must be made.
93. Carrying arms out of the country must be prohibited. This is
done quite commonly by the Portuguese and by the natives, and is a
proceeding which causes great injury.
94. Gunners are greatly needed, as we have but few of them, and these
few do not understand artillery.
95. The artillery is badly mounted, and left exposed to sun and
rain. The caissons and wheels are rotted and of no use. Balls and
cartridges are all mixed up; besides, none of the other supplies are
laid out so that they can be used when occasion (much more a sudden
emergency) may require.
96. The gunpowder should always be well refined, and stored
in different places, and not in one house, in order to prevent
accidents. This should be done with the other ammunition.
97. The soldiers' lodgings at the garrison need rebuilding, as they
are inadequate to the needs of the men, who will not then suffer their
present necessities. Also this will do away with their disorderly
conduct in the city by day, and especially that at night.
98. It is extremely necessary to adopt some system with regard to
payment, so that the soldiers would not squander it in gambling. A
portion should be retained and paid out each day for food and
clothing. Through this lack of system much suffering has resulted,
and many soldiers have died. Consequently many are unfit to serve.
99. The soldiers should be kept as busy as possible, for in Manila
they give themselves up to laziness and vice. When most needed, they
are found to be undrilled, and so unfit for their work. Especially
should they be made to go aboard the vessels as often as possible,
for in these islands it is very necessary that they go to sea and
know how to fight on the water. In fact, this is generally the kind
of fighting to be done here.
100. In the other cities and places of these islands, it is necessary
that the magistrates and the officers of war should always be on the
alert, ready themselves, and their Indians also, for any emergency
that should arise. They should have ships that would inspire respect;
because enemies or corsairs are apt to attack them, with whom they
lose time and reputation by not hurrying to encounter them.
101. Expeditions and enterprises for pacification or conquest outside
of the islands must be scrutinized very carefully. Before going on
them, it must be understood and determined that those sent on such
expeditions must give account and residencia of their duties and
methods of procedure.
102. In respect to crimes committed by the soldiers, when these are
slight offenses there is but little to register, or little judicial
procedure to be observed; but when they are of greater import, and the
penalty therefor is severe, it is just that the case be registered and
substantiated so that the proper course of justice may be observed,
and so that they may be prosecuted in due form of law.
_Justice_
103. As for justice, there has been much negligence in punishing
public excesses and faults. Many things--and some of them of great
importance--have been overlooked or covered up. This has led to other
irregularities, such as reckless, continual, and fraudulent gambling,
and concubinage.
104. From Nueva España many disreputable men, condemned to the galleys,
are brought here, and allowed to disembark and go where they will,
dressed and armed like the rest of the people. They are not often
tried; and not only do they not pay the penalty for their crimes,
but even commit other atrocities and crimes here.
105. The ordinary judges are lax in their duties, are not prompt in
finishing the business of the advocates, and in fact, neglect this
duty greatly. They do not patrol or visit suspected places, nor watch
over the government, supplies, and civil affairs of their districts.
106. The chief aim of the alcaldes-mayor, corregidors, and assistants,
is trade. They buy up by wholesale the products of the land, especially
rice and other food supplies, exactly as is said above concerning
the religious of certain curacies, and their interpreters and helpers.
107. They try old suits of which they cannot know the details, and
stir up many suits and processes among the Indians, at great expense
to the latter.
108. Neither they nor their clerks observe the schedule when levying
the fees. In their own behalf they afflict and trouble the Indians
with outrageous requirements, making them cut wood, serve as rowers,
and perform other services.
109. The first thing that they do, on entering their provinces,
is to lay hands immediately on all the property of the communities,
and to use it for their own advantage. When their offices expire,
they seldom return the property to the community.
110. If they collect any fines belonging to the royal treasury, or to
expenses of justice, they conceal them, keeping no book or account
sufficient to enable such fines to be demanded from them. The same
is true of the tenths of gold.
111. It is not advantageous for these alcaldes-mayor and corregidors,
or their assistants or friends, to receive the royal collections, for
they perpetrate numberless frauds and cheats, both against the royal
treasury and against the Indians; and there is no remedy for this,
as they themselves administer justice. They hold the collections in
their possession for a long time, trading with them, and the royal
treasury is the loser.
112. They leave their provinces when and how they please, without
permission of those in authority; and when others are appointed
to their offices, they immediately depart, in order not to have
their residencia taken. Thus they are not to be found in office,
and escape being made to give satisfaction for the injuries that they
have committed, and being prosecuted by justice.
113. They are not accustomed to obey the commands and orders sent
them by their superiors unless these suit them; for this they must
be severely rebuked.
114. Hitherto their residencias have been decided and taken with all
mildness and little investigation, so that they have lost all fear,
and dare to lead lives of carelessness and hypocrisy. Therefore it
would be advantageous to take their residencias more strictly, so
that they should live hereafter with care.
115. They do not watch carefully so that the religious shall not usurp
their jurisdiction or meddle in matters that do not pertain to them;
they do this in order not to have disputes and quarrels with the
religious, lest they themselves should not be allowed to live and
buy and sell as they please. This is a detriment to the public service.
116. Those in authority ought to refrain from asking or requiring the
alcaldes-mayor, corregidors, etc., to supply them with provisions, or
other things from their provinces, even when they pay for them; for,
in the name of those in authority, they do the same for themselves,
much more and with greater freedom, and to the greater loss of the
country. Then they lay the blame on the one who ordered it, thus
excusing themselves.
117. Many are haughty and disrespectful to the religious and ministers
of instruction, always inclined to contend and disagree with them. This
is also disgraceful and of little profit for any. Severe measures
must be adopted in this regard.
_Encomenderos_
118. They pay no attention to the schedule in the collection of their
tributes, and usually practice frauds to violate it.
119. They collect tribute from minor Indians, and from the aged,
the lame, the poor, the dead, and the fugitive--their oppressions in
this respect being well known.
120. They employ the Indians in building houses and large vessels,
grinding rice, cutting wood, and carrying it all to their houses and
to Manila; and then pay them little or nothing for their labor. They
use them also for their own work for many days without pay.
121. They themselves administer justice in their village, arresting
and whipping their Indians during the collection of the tribute,
besides committing other notorious acts of violence.
122. They pay but little attention to the instruction of the Indians
or anything pertaining to it. They pay grudgingly the stipends of
their curacies, as well as the money for the building and adornment
of churches. In this regard they are at continual variance with the
ministers, and the Indians are the losers by it.
123. Although not authorized to remain in their villages longer than
to collect the tribute, they go to and live in them at many other
times. This proves a great burden to the Indians, because of the
annoyances, and the requirements of services and contributions with
which they afflict them, and which constitute the only purpose of
their going.
124. At other times they send collectors, who are very unworthy and
have no compassion on the cause of the Indians, whom they afflict and
maltreat worse even than do their masters, and do them more harm. In
most cases, these collectors are not approved by those in authority,
nor do they, bear permission from them.
125. They dispute and quarrel with the magistrates on slight
pretexts, and incite their Indians not to obey them or listen to
their summons. This they do quite commonly, whenever they fail to
find the judges unwilling to shield them in whatever they choose to
do in their encomiendas. If they act in harmony, it generally means
more injury to the wretched Indians.
_The royal estate_
126. These encomenderos conceal in great part the amount of the
tributes collected by them, and show only partial lists of the
collections. Usually they retain the amount in their own hands for
a long time, before bringing it to the treasury.
127. The most important thing here is the royal treasury, for on it
all the people of the islands depend; yet it receives the least care
and the poorest management.
128. There is little thought given to ensure its increase, or to
prevent its decrease. There has been a great falling off in the matter
of tributes, tenths of gold, and other taxes that belong to it. Some
excellent provisions for its management were ordered in the past,
but are neither carried out nor even considered.
129. The royal officials have no statutes for their guidance, beyond
some decrees of the governors, which do not cover all the requirements
of their offices.
130. The royal books are not kept with the requisite clearness and
system. Entries are not set down with exactness, or at the right
time. The officials commonly use loose memoranda, which may give rise
to much loss, although it may not be fraudulent.
131. All the officials do not go over the work. On the contrary,
many different matters are put in charge of one alone, such as the
collections of the duties and other things, account of which is
rendered to the treasury after a long time. In the meantime the
treasury is the loser.
132. The officials very often receive royal property at their
residences without passing it in to the treasury. They use it to
suit themselves.
133. The notary of the exchequer is not present when money is paid
to or from the treasury, and it is done without him, contrary to his
Majesty's commands. This may give opportunity for wrong and fraud.
134. In order to accommodate individual debtors to the treasury,
orders and notes are often received on account for the payment,
and then they try to realize on them.
135. They have been seen to receive into their houses, from collectors
and others who were bringing goods to the treasury, great amounts
thereof, which they employ in their own affairs and needs, not
depositing them in the treasury for a long time.
136. They have used the royal tributes of rice, wine, gold, and cloth
in the same way.
137. The royal warehouses were entirely under the control of the
factor for a long time, with less assurance of safety than if they were
under the control of all three officials. Some time ago, they were put
under control of all three, but these have entrusted the keys to three
servants or followers. This arrangement, far from increasing the royal
estate, is an excuse for them to draw pay from the royal treasury;
and it does not satisfactorily fulfil the royal intention--namely,
that these officials should carry the keys on their own persons,
in order to avoid all damage and loss to the royal stores.
138. There is little interest taken in selling and administrating
the goods in the storehouses before they are spoiled, as has been
the case with much of their contents.
139. The timely use of rice and other supplies, and the cutting of
wood for the ships is not considered. This necessitates greater cost
and damage afterwards.
140. In the expenditure for repairing ships and other royal vessels
made in Cavite, there has been spent much more than appears by
Master de Ribera's statement, which was verified only by his word and
oath. This is a very extensive scheme, in which there may have been
considerable loss and fraud between the factor and Master de Ribera,
because the expense has been very heavy and is not clearly stated.
141. Galleys, vireys, caracoas, fragatas, and other royal vessels
have been lost because of inadequate shelter.
142. There are many places in which are employed sailors, gunners,
calkers, coopers, and other seafaring men, who are superfluous,
unnecessary, and of no service. They create notorious expense and
are maintained in these employments on account of being servants,
relatives, and friends of those in authority.
143. There are many sinecures and gratuities given by those in
authority, which are enjoyed by officials, clerks, officials of the
accounts, and royal officials--all without his Majesty's orders and
contrary to his intention.
144. Many soldiers enlisted are excused from service for private
reasons.
145. There are many more captains and their officers in the camp than
is necessary. These cause a useless expense and waste, and this is
a matter requiring reform.
146. Many draw salaries as commanders and captains of galleys, when
there are no galleys; and some as knights of the city, who do not
serve in its defense, and of whom there is no necessity.
147. The governors of the forts of Nuestra Señora de Guia and Santiago
draw larger salaries than his Majesty ordered.
148. The consignments made by the king to his treasury are confused
with other payments.
149. But little care is exercised in collecting all the royal dues
from the vessels coming from España, because they are always laden
beyond the appraisal. The same is true in regard to freight and the
dues on the money coming from España, more of which always comes than
the register shows.
150. The collectors sent to make the collections for the royal
treasury and those of the tributes do not usually bring them in
promptly; and they perpetrate many frauds and injuries, so that each
time the collections are smaller. Sometimes it has been observed that
they retain the money collected, and that with the knowledge of the
officials themselves, because they are favorites of the latter.
151. Many times they delay making the final account of the debtors to
the royal treasury, and fail to collect the balance of their debts,
on account of private considerations.
152. There are many old debts that the treasury owes, the payment of
which is unavoidably suspended. To cancel these it will be necessary to
send to the treasury of Mexico for the deficiency, with the required
authorization.
153. Likewise, as the salaries and expenses have already accumulated
to a considerable sum, we must perforce send, each year, to the said
treasury of Mexico for the means to pay it all when due.
_The navigation to España_
154. The giving of positions on the trading ships of the Nueva España
route is a great detriment to the country. In the first place this
advantage is enjoyed by those who have not served in this land,
thus depriving of it those who have served.
155. As persons who have no compassion on the citizens of this country,
they busy themselves only for their own interests, and not for the
good of the country.
156. Many of those in the naval and military service come here who
are useless and troublesome. This is a great expense to the king,
and all to no purpose.
157. The soldiers come naked, unarmed, and starving, because their
captains have only tried to cheat them.
158. The ships return loaded with the investments of the officers
of the ships. Besides their own goods, they have been entrusted with
large commissions and trusts in Mexico, which they execute and fulfil
to the great deprivation of this country. They receive excessive
salaries all the time until their return to España, which might be
dispensed with if they were officials of these islands.
159. After they depart for Nueva España with their vessels, then for
greater comfort and the better stowing of their merchandise, they throw
overboard the goods of our citizens, without any necessity. This they
do without any feeling of compassion for the many whom they ruin. It
makes no difference to them, for they are going where they cannot be
proceeded against, and where it is impossible to follow them.
160. Usually those who come in those positions are relatives and
servants of the viceroy of Nueva España. They are mere youths and
have no experience in their duties. Innumerable frauds and injuries
are perpetrated in the despatch of the vessels at Acapulco, of which
I shall not speak in detail, for that one point alone would require
a great deal of paper. Manila, June 8, 1598.
_Don Antonio de Morga_