_The inspection, as will be related_
It is very necessary and important, Sire, that your Majesty be
pleased not to entrust the inspection of encomenderos, magistrates,
and collectors in this country to persons who, after the completion of
their commission, must remain and live in the country as subjects--who,
on that account, would be forced to proceed timidly and with a
view to what might be done by persons who have been punished and
feel resentment. Nor, after the inspection is finished, should the
inspector remain among friends or enemies who have much or little
property. Neither should he remain with those of whom there is any
doubt. They are fortunate if they are such men as are suitable for
this task, and if they proceed with rectitude, rigor, and example,
and with zeal for the glory of God, the service of your Majesty,
the welfare of this country, with a Christian and disinterested
heart. Since the above qualities are clearly in accordance with the
necessity and condition of affairs, Sire, it is very necessary that he
who makes the inspection for reform should possess them. On the other
hand, since it is very difficult to find such a man among the laymen
in this country and region--where the majority of those who live or
come here care only for their own plans and individual interests,
the increase of their possessions, and other things of much harm
(so that many suffer themselves to be led by others), and from which
it is advisable that those who exercise so necessary and important
a duty be free--I do not know, Sire, what remedy can be expected;
because the governor is called upon to select fit inspectors from
this country. This is something that never will be achieved; and this
condition of affairs will be perhaps a cause of greater loss, ruin,
and offense, unless your Majesty, with your most Christian and royal
heart, shall be pleased to render this matter safe, and entrust the
inspection to the prelates themselves, so that each one will make
it every two or three years in his bishopric and district. In fine,
Sire, considering the pain and grief that they suffer at seeing the
great loss and ruin of things, and the wrongs inflicted upon this
wretched people; and, on the other hand, their obligation to endeavor
to set things right, in case there should be added the authority
therefor, should your Majesty be pleased to grant the inspection to
them--considering all these things, and also their experience of the
conditions of the country (which is very important, since they are
servants of our Lord and fearless men, who will not proceed with the
same timidity and cautiousness as others), there is no doubt that they
will be able to bring matters into a clearer light, to advise your
Majesty, and to effect great reforms. At the same time the Indians
will conduct their suits with greater tranquillity, security, and
confidence, and at less cost. This is not much to ask, since your
Majesty is pleased to entrust special matters and the inspection of
a viceroy of Nueva España to a bishop; and the same should be done
with those which are of so much greater importance, and concern so
greatly the glory and service of God, and of your Majesty, the common
welfare of these districts (rightly so favored by your Majesty), and
the alleviation and consolation of their wretched people, whom God has
placed under your Majesty's royal protection. It is true, however, that
as far as this matter of inspection is concerned, I once suggested,
among other matters, that it should be entrusted to specially chosen
private persons; but, when I wrote to that effect, your Majesty had
not appointed any bishops or audiencia for this country. Therefore it
was what seemed perhaps most advisable, considering the condition of
affairs, and the employment of the governor and his lieutenant-governor
in the government and in matters of importance so that they could
not attend to it; and there was no other more advisable method to
be discerned. Even by this method it has always been very difficult
to find men of such qualities as the case demands. However, now that
our Lord has been pleased that your Majesty appoint prelates for this
kingdom--a most useful thing for it--it is evidently most advisable
that they should have charge of the inspection because of their
experience and the great need of a provision for these matters. In
very grave cases, they could be accompanied by some auditor, if
necessary. And if your Majesty should not wish the prelates to make
the inspection, at least the inspector should be no other than an
auditor, and he should have a good salary with fees at the cost of
culprits. This is essential to produce the desired effect. But this
last method would cause greater delay and dangerous annoyances to the
natives, because of certain reasons and causes vexatious to them; for
the auditor could inspect in one year and summer but one province,
and in that would not be doing little. The next year he would have
to visit another province, and so on, until he had finished the whole
country. But if the bishops act as inspectors inasmuch as they have to
go through their bishoprics annually, each one in his own district,
the inspection would be completed in one year, and very comfortably
and conveniently, especially for the Indians. This would not be the
case, were the inspection made by others. To give the reasons for the
aforesaid, as ought to be done, so that your Majesty may be pleased
to order it, much space would be needed; and there are many evidences
and proofs that the present is the worst plan, because of the great
offenses and annoyances it has caused, as is well known. And on the
other hand this is what proves best how advisable is the latter method,
and how necessary are such special expedients, even though they should
be extraordinary, since the necessity and wrongs are so. I shall
not go into details concerning this lest I go beyond bounds. But I
shall only refer to one advantage in addition to the above, in having
the bishops act as inspectors--namely, the respect that the governor
will have for them, and his abstaining from interfering with them in
some measures that may be desirable to adopt. If he were to attempt,
by importunity or pressure of any kind, thus to interfere with other
inspectors (as he could more easily, inasmuch as they would have to
proceed with greater caution and obsequiousness), the result might
be very harmful.
_That there be fewer offices, and more extensive jurisdictions, and
that there be no assistants. It is advisable to read this section
thoroughly._
There is much to say why there should be fewer offices, because of
the great vexations, offenses, and insults endured by these natives,
as many of the offices are not properly exercised. They should be thus
exercised; for since they are not, and since the Indians look upon
those who are given and appointed as magistrates for them, and for
their welfare and protection (who by right should be the best men),
and behold in these same men so much license, wrong, and evil example,
what can they think and believe about the others, and about the law
that is preached and taught to them? since they see that it is not
kept, but only broken over and over again by us, the very ones who
profess it and teach it to them. It is apposite to mention that when
one Cagayan Indian was trying to persuade another Indian to become
a Christian, and was declaring the blessings to be derived from it,
the latter answered to his arguments: "Bah! the Castilians have no
better sense than we have; since they act as they do, and do not
observe that law; say nothing more about it." Or they say: "That law
must be only for the fathers." In this way great offenses and things
displeasing to God follow, and offense to His law and gospel, so that
it is held in odium and seems evil to these natives, just after it
has been preached to them with so great moral example and sanctity of
life--the true preaching that moves and converts this race. They do
not recognize or know that the fault is not in the law, nor can it
be attributed to it, but to those who do not observe it, because of
their necessities--or rather their baseness, vileness, and greed which
they excuse under the name of poverty and lack of support. Therefore,
a great part of the reformation in this matter--which is so important,
and demands reformation, but without having it--will be effected by
having fewer offices and larger jurisdictions. This is advisable and
necessary for the removal of many great wrongs--offenses against our
Lord, and harm to the natives. But if the contrary is done, and things
continue as at present, more troubles have followed and will continue
to follow each day that this reformation is delayed; for it will be,
as says the proverb, like rain upon wet ground. Following upon the
continual oppression, grievances, and other injuries received because
of the abuse, greed, and audacity of these wrongdoers, and the trifling
punishment inflicted upon those who have perpetrated these misdeeds,
and exhausted, as is notorious, the natives, the present injuries,
although fewer, will be felt more severely, because of the distress,
need, and wretchedness in which things are, and to which they have
come. Our only hope is in the law and charity of God, and in the will
of your Majesty constraining them to remedy the above, as well as in
the tolerance and mercy of our Lord in preserving this country and
island by saving therein those whom He has chosen for Himself. He has
not chosen them for us Spaniards, by whose offenses, great greed,
and evil examples, so contrary to the good of society and to the
gospel, His Divine Majesty is not pleased; nor does He permit so many
offenses for the sake of those who commit them, or to the end that
there should be no amendment of them. But even if no attention should
be given to anything but worldly gain alone, which we love so much,
yet even to keep some of this wretched race, we must see to their way
of life, so that they may not perish and die as happened to so great
a multitude of people in Sancto Domingo. It is well to be warned by
this example, and to notice how much diminished, reduced, and changed
are things here now, and are tending to be, in comparison with their
former condition--as is well known to those who have an experience
of both past and present conditions. Therefore, if the Indians are
not allowed to take breath, and do not receive some relief, they must
necessarily feel the burden more and more each day; for we permit land,
though it be arable and fitted to be sown and reaped, to lie fallow,
and do not exhaust it year after year. How much more with sentient
human beings; for either they will endeavor to be rid of the burden
(as, without citing other cases, was attempted but lately in Cagayan),
or they will perish under it, for it will compass their ruin, and we
ourselves shall feel the want of them, as is plainly evident. This
has been clearly manifested on the one hand, in the diminution
of tributes, the great wretchedness, and the many deaths among the
natives in Ylocos and other districts; and on the other hand in the
scarcity and dearness of that which can least easily be dispensed with,
and which is most essential--namely, rice and food supplies. Although
these advance to outrageous prices from year to year, yet even so the
necessary amount cannot be obtained, and there is a deficit both for
your Majesty's service and for individuals, whether rich or poor;
and, in short, for both Spaniards and natives. The latter are the
ones who can endure the scarcity least, for among them result from it
great want, slavery, sickness, and many deaths. Since things are come
to such a pass, much heed must be given to the importance of reform,
and to what may be feared if there is none. Therefore, in order that a
reform be instituted, two things, Sire, are extremely needful: first,
the wise appointment and choice of men for the offices--including
with this what is by far the most essential point, and the absence
of which is most felt, severe punishment for delinquent officials;
and second, that the superfluous and unnecessary officials should
be dismissed, for thus there will be fewer to plunder and offend
these new and tender plants. These evil acts constitute a great
hindrance to the increase of this harvest so pleasing to God, and
so much sought after by your Majesty. The harvest would be greater,
were there fewer evil acts and more virtue in these regions. Besides,
if the offices were few it would be easier to find the needed few
with the good qualities requisite for these offices than to find such
persons to fill so many offices as there are at present. Then too,
fewer abuses and injuries, and less ill-feeling among the natives,
will result from fewer appointments and selections, because those
who cause resentment among the natives will be fewer, particularly
in regard to offices and tax assessments, among others; for as a
result of the larger jurisdictions, there will be a smaller amount
of relationship with the individual Indians. Also, the governor
could furnish and provide honorably for certain men of merit and
desert in certain of these offices, increasing their salaries from
the extinguished offices, so that they may fulfil their obligations
and carry out their orders with greater advantage and profit to
themselves, and without harm to the natives. Likewise the curtailing
of certain salaries will be advantageous to your Majesty's treasury,
by reducing its standing expenditures and requirements.
The present salary of an alcalde-mayor is three hundred pesos, while
a deputy receives one hundred pesos. If one hundred pesos were added
to the salary of each of the former, these amounts would be sufficient
for a moderate ease and competency, and would obviate the temptations
of greed to men who are sensible and upright; and it might be easier
to appoint and select such men, if there is pay and gratuity, so that
those may receive a salary who have served, and not those who came to
get office. Whoever not satisfied with this, wishes an office, let
him change his manner of living and remove the obstacles so that an
office may be given him; and if not, then let him attribute the blame
to himself. It might even be a means to cause many, by consideration
or desire of an office, to moderate and relinquish their excesses if
there were a punishment for them, and a reward for well doing; and
if offices among the natives were not bestowed upon those who commit
excesses, even if they have served, but only to those who live in a
Christian manner, without offense and harm to the natives.
Likewise, it is a very pernicious practice to provide offices in a
haphazard manner, for services alone, or as a source of gain to those
who get them simply by favor, and have no merits or have performed no
service. This means giving office to one who has no capacity for its
administration, and no judgment of matters. Some of them have never
learned or been accustomed to do anything but fire an arquebus, and
perhaps have habitually lived in great license and poverty. Such enter
upon their offices unprovided with virtue, but in a state of need and
ignorance, and with a greed for becoming rich; and this causes much
grief, misery, and trouble. The result is that such a person has to
try and hear suits and causes; and many of those which arise among
these natives are wont to cause perplexity in their determination
and sentence, even to some men of experience and judgment. Thus the
office is heedlessly vested in one who does not know or understand how
to grant, or deprive of, liberty and possessions by his opinion and
judgment. And although there is a superior judge to whom appeal may
be made, and who may undo errors and wrongs, it is not done, nor can
it be done with the same ease. Appeal involves expense and trouble,
and a long journey to Manila that the Indians must make to ask for
their rights, obliging them to leave their houses and fields--a very
troublesome and injurious thing for them. They are often unaware that
appeal can be made; or they do not dare to go, or they look for no
relief. So all this wrong continues.
On account of these reasons and arguments, it is advisable not to
bestow posts among the natives as a reward for services alone, upon
men who are lacking in the virtue and good example so necessary to
all in these regions; and especially to those who should serve as
magistrates, and hold offices in this country, where the Divine
Majesty and your Majesty can be so well served, in case men fill
those offices with some little uprightness and decency of life.
In what pertains to and in what I say upon the subject of deputies
and to giving them a salary in addition, that is in case it is your
Majesty's pleasure to have such officers. But it would be better not
to do this, for it means two alcaldes-mayor and two notaries in one
jurisdiction, since each of those officers has his deputy and other
officials, all of whom have to eat, or rather to rob. Of a truth,
it will be sufficient for the alcalde-mayor alone to be rewarded
and to live commodiously in his office, if he does his duty. But if
he does not do his duty, and has in addition a deputy and officials,
and both have friends, all this is showered down upon the Indians, and
they pay it, with their sufferings, because they have to supply the
sustenance and gain of all. It would be much better for all that, if
two hundred pesos are required for the needless deputies, one hundred
of this amount should be given to an honest alcalde-mayor, while the
other hundred would be saved for your Majesty's treasury. Above all,
the great evils would be done away with which result from having
deputies among a harassed and wretched race--and that, too, in so
narrow jurisdictions that the alcalde-mayor is able to visit them
alone, and go now to one part, and again to another. This would produce
greater ease and convenience for the Indians for various reasons, which
are not here stated in order not to prolong this subject. Therefore
I conclude it by saying that the dismissal of the deputies, and the
reduction of the number of alcaldes-mayor and corregidors, are most
necessary for many reasons. There is only one objection that might be
considered in this matter, but it is not for the service of God and
your Majesty to abandon what is of so much import for this country on
account of it. That objection is that there would not be so many posts
and offices for claimants, and for the governors to provide and supply
people with. But as for this, it has been said that for those who have
served and merit reward there would be appointments and rewards--and
for others too, in the offices left. Hence, even if the deputies be
dismissed, and the number of offices be reduced, your Majesty has not
suppressed opportunities or posts for rewards, but exchanged them;
so that anyone who ought to receive a deputyship or corregidorship
would have a better allowance and reward, and more gain, without
so much trouble and loss--even for the very persons who hold them,
because for many this reformation is a sentence. What your Majesty
suppresses by this method and plan is only sins, offenses against the
service of God and of your Majesty, and great wrongs inflicted on
these natives. This is the most Christian and royal design of your
Majesty. Whichever is most advisable should be enacted now; namely,
that there be or be not rewards, at your Majesty's pleasure.
_That there should be a city storehouse and granary_
That there should be a city storehouse and granary, wherein should be
stored annually thirty or forty thousand fanegas of rice in the hull,
so that it may keep longer--which cleaned would amount to half as
much--besides a quantity of wine, vinegar, and oil. At the very least,
it is advisable to store the rice in this way, in preparation for a
siege or the coming of an enemy, or for any expedition that should be
undertaken. If these supplies are thus kept in store, the harassing of
the natives on such occasions to obtain a supply of provisions will be
unnecessary and will be prevented. Without this store, the demand might
come at a time when the natives might suffer great wrongs and injuries,
because such events are irregular, and might occur at a season when the
natives have not enough for their own sustenance and for seed. This
would cause great wretchedness, and would be the occasion of famine,
disease, slavery, or mortality among the natives. Besides, the prices
are not as a general thing so regulated, upon such an opportunity
and occasion, as to do the natives no wrong in that matter also.
This provision will be of great advantage, convenience, and saving of
time in making expeditions, besides serving generally as a source of
food-supply for this community, in any necessity or famine that may
arise, and as an aid to the Indians, when they are in need. This will
be of great aid to them, and they will be profited and edified to find
themselves aided and helped in their necessities and famines. This
rice must be gathered at harvest time, as it is cheaper at that time,
and can be obtained more easily and with less hardship to the natives,
if sent in sacks from the districts having the best crops and where
it is easiest to obtain it. And every year the rice in storage can
be renewed with ease and profit, by selling it and buying other new
rice at the season for it. On account of the little public property of
the community, and the need in which it was, it has been impossible
to do this; but now it has a great deal of public property that has
been granted it, and an income with which to do this. The money will
be better and more wisely spent on this than on other things not so
necessary and advantageous to the common welfare, and to the service
of God and of your Majesty.
_Concerning collectors, and a protector of the Indians_
It is also very advisable that the collectors of encomiendas be persons
approved by the archbishop as protector of the Indians, and appointed
by the governor. Your Majesty should order them very straitly to
seek and appoint the men best qualified as collectors. If, on the
one hand, such men are appointed, and, on the other, are registered
and approved by the archbishop, a great and special blessing and the
remedy of great wrongs, thefts, and offenses against our Lord and
the service of your Majesty will result. These I shall not specify,
lest I be prolix. Besides the above, it is very necessary that the
lay protector of the natives be also chosen by the archbishop and
governor, and that he may not be removed or disqualified from his
office except for known remissness and guilt, nor allowed to keep
it if he is guilty. He should have a good salary in return for his
labors, his attention to the laws, and the necessity that he is under
of opposing many influential men. And although the salary is assigned
already, it is likewise desirable that he be very much favored in
his office by the governor, so that he may petition and procure the
good of the Indians with greater resolution and freedom. Above all,
it is advisable that the chief protector be the archbishop, and each
bishop in his bishopric.
_Wages of the natives_
It is also necessary and important for your Majesty to order the
officials of your treasury to entrust and send the wages of the
Indians, for any services for your Majesty ordered to be performed
by them--such as the cutting of wood, the carrying of other things,
and personal services performed by the natives, or given by them--to
men worthy of confidence and trust. It should be sent to residents of
the same districts where the services are ordered to be performed,
particularly if the district is somewhat remote and distant. For if
the pay is not thus sent, those who did the work suffer, and, as a
rule, do not get it. The cause of this is, that those who perform
these services generally live at a distance from Manila; and by
not coming to the city, but waiting until they are paid, without
leaving their homes, wives, and fields, they allow themselves to lose
it. Many come too, but are not paid even then, which is the cause
of great harm. Loss results also because generally certain persons
perform the services, while others conduct the affair here. Since
they thus remain at home without coming to Manila for their pay (as
is the quite general practice), and send a chief to collect it for
them, before the latter gets it and the pay is turned over to those
who performed the service, a long time elapses, and they may even
never get it. For sometimes the chiefs keep it, or give it for some
pious object, at the instigation or persuasion of the religious,
and to gratify the latter at the expense of another's toil and of
the poor--who, although they would rather have their pay than give it
away, do not dare to complain, as the chiefs, to whom they are very
subject, are concerned in the matter. Thus in order not to offend
them or the father, or for other reasons, it comes to pass that the
poor wretches do not enjoy the fruit of their labor. In like manner,
it is advisable for your Majesty to order straitly that the many who
are conscripted for these services, expeditions, and ordinary works,
from Tondo and the environs of Manila, at great cost and expense to
them, be paid immediately; for their pay is due them for a long time,
and is postponed and delayed for many days, to their great vexation,
loss, and annoyance, and even to the extent of being a public offense.
_That there should be a reward for old soldiers who have served and
have no remuneration, besides others who are of rank, or who have
served in other places, or who come to these regions to serve._
There should be something to reward old soldiers who are not
remunerated, and are in need, besides the other persons enumerated
above, who come here and, because of not having been here so long
as others, appear to be excluded from the offices and advantages of
the country. There are but few offices, while there are many to fill
them, and as many offices as are sought can not be found, although the
men appear to merit them. This is one of the very necessary matters
in this country, and requires your Majesty's attention; or else,
inasmuch as it is most important and of great moment, that God and
your Majesty may be well served in this land, the governor might
be empowered to appoint to offices those who should exercise them,
as is most fitting. It is a great and necessary advantage for your
Majesty to provide this in the manner and by the person most pleasing
to you. I see very well that a governor must be appointed with liberal
authority, not only in this, but in other matters that demand it. But,
in this matter of remuneration and gratifications, it has occurred
to me, that troubles might ensue if the governor were to distribute
rewards and gratifications entirely as seemed best to him, and to whom
he wished. Hence I say that, although it is advisable and necessary
for your Majesty to appoint such a person, and very requisite that
you should be able to trust that matter to him, besides many others,
still in this case, the number of persons to be appointed might be
assigned and limited. Thus he could not do more than is necessary and
advisable, and might appoint only those who merit such advantage and
reward by their services and good qualities, and not others in whom he
finds any lack of these things, or whom he appoints from other less
weighty and just considerations. And as to what quantity and from
what fund these rewards and gratifications should be given, I think
that they should be given from what is collected in Mexico from the
duties and freight-charges on ships sailing from this country, which
are never returned here. Your Majesty could command them to be brought
here annually for this purpose, without any deficit or abatement; or
the half of them, or the equivalent of that which is collected here,
for the pay of the soldiers. In order to give these gratifications and
rewards, in regard to the amount, I think that eight or ten thousand
pesos annually would suffice. But it should be considered that there
are many who have served, and that this country is already settled;
and that many persons of rank, who have served in other places, are
coming to it, or are to continue serving your Majesty here, and come
for such continuation of service, and for whatever occasions are of
great moment, importance, and need. And inasmuch as these opportunities
are often postponed or delayed for good reasons, and are not offered
immediately; and inasmuch as those who come, and almost all the
others of this country, who are not already provided, always desire
these opportunities--therefore it is needful and important to have
the means with which to remunerate them. For if the contrary is done,
many great troubles will follow, so that, finding themselves without
occupation, and at the same time without any profit and sustenance, and
no place whence to hope for it, they become querulous, low-spirited,
and even desperate. From this condition follow many other evils--among
which, with many that I do not name, is the one of affirming that to
better their condition they must return and leave this country. This
causes others to do the same thing, and not to come here, because of
what they hear of the country. Accordingly this country, being thus
defamed, is coming to be regarded as a place of exile and punishment
for crimes; and, as to such a land, they are sending here men whom it
would be to the good service of God and your Majesty to punish there,
and never to let them set foot in a land where sanctity, virtue, and
good example are so much needed. And so harmful are the many evils
here in this new plant and vine of the Lord, that thus, Sire, it is
advisable that there be rewards and gratifications, at the least to
the sum above named, and in the form most pleasing to your Majesty,
or in the following mode. Let your Majesty order ten posts to be
provided, of the value of one hundred and fifty pesos apiece, for men
of moderate rank who have served well, and are unmarried; another ten
posts, of two hundred pesos apiece, for others who, besides having
performed good service, and being deserving men, are in greater need
because of being burdened with a wife and children and a household;
and another ten posts, with three hundred and fifty pesos apiece,
for other men, who have performed greater duties and services. Still
another ten posts, with three hundred and fifty pesos apiece, should
be set aside for men of rank and service, who are not remunerated
or employed, and have served, in either these or other regions; and
who come hither, as aforesaid, with the desire of continuing in your
Majesty's service, and who are in need--either by reason of not having
provision for so many, or because of the short time that they have
spent here. These last complain much, and beg that something be given
them, or that they be given employment, for they think that they are
deprived of it. Therefore I beg that your Majesty will command this,
as it is of so great importance, and a matter by which God and your
Majesty will be so well served. Thus these men will be kept in hope,
and come here willingly, with the resolution to serve upon all
occasions that arise; while others will be incited to come to these
regions, and to serve in them, by the knowledge of this provision. And
if some of these men should go upon expeditions, or be given employment
in other greater things, others will take their places and posts. In
this way the governor will be able to provide and remunerate those
for whom there are no judicial posts to be given. Also this plan will
do away with annoyance to the governor, and even the danger that, if
this plan be not followed, he might be persuaded or incited, by the
importunity of claimants, to make appointments differently from what
is advisable. It will be well to specify and note that such rewards
and gratifications are not to be given only to those who have spent
years of service in the country; for some have been engaged for the
most part in making collections in the encomiendas and in services
that can be paid and rewarded with very little, and perhaps they even
deserve punishment rather than reward, for some of their actions. Thus
the appointments should be given to those of the greatest merit.
_That the soldiers' pay be increased, and that it be paid them
punctually, three times a year, on the expiration of the time,
and without any delay; and that, whether it be increased or not,
an order be issued to give, as shall be declared, one meal per day
to poor and wretched Spaniards and soldiers who are without it. From
this follows what shall be declared in regard to it. It is advisable
to read this entire section_.
It is very desirable and necessary that the pay of the soldiers be
increased, for they suffer the utmost poverty and want with their
pay of but six pesos; for the country is so expensive and so needy
that they can in no manner be fed or clothed as is fitting. This is
necessary so that the spirit and honor of the soldiers may be kept
constant, and so that they may not be debased and humbled to the low
condition of becoming pages to women throughout the year. This fits
the name of soldiers of your Majesty very ill, and many of them are
now thus engaged. This is permitted to them and tolerated because
of their poverty; for when it is seen and regarded close at hand,
greater compassion and pity are felt for them. Another cause for
connivance and gentle treatment is the danger that they may commit
other greater wrongs in the way of theft and violence, to which need is
wont to incline and constrain men--and there is enough of such things.
There is also danger of their flight and desertion for fear of
punishment; and thus by being punished, the soldiery may be lost, and
the forces lessened and made useless. [After making all allowances,]
ordinarily there are plenty of them who require punishment, and more
than get it, in proportion to the universal need and poverty. Because
of these things, the raising of the pay is very important, as is also
a provision for additions to it, so that the companies may be kept
intact and respectable. For, if they have these, then respectable
young men who are in this country, and who now are leaving it, will
serve gladly. They now come usually on the footing of mercenaries,
because of their small means, and finally leave the islands--only
those remaining who are worthless and of no account, and even of them
but few. In other districts where there is no lack and need of people
as here, they ought to consent.
_That the one hundred and fifteen pesos given to the soldiers in
Mexico be reckoned only up to the time of their arrival at the port
of Cavite, and that thenceforth their ordinary pay be given them_.
This is as indispensable and needful as the matter of the pay and
means of profit, and even more so; for if this be not done, it will
be and serve for nothing else than to waste your Majesty's royal
estate, without any results for the expense--namely, the colonization,
increase, and defense of this country. Rather the very opposite in a
certain way results; and to say so is no exaggeration, but truth. For
they arrive at Cavite after a three months' voyage, and without a
_blanca_ [9] in a new land, which is much less comfortable than Mexico,
which they have left. Then in the space of nineteen months they receive
not one real of pay or remuneration, until after they have served
out the one hundred and fifteen pesos. This causes them to suffer
such want and wretchedness that I can not tell it. So many evils and
wrongs are caused that is a pity and shame to recount them. The result
is that their need abases and lowers (or rather forces) many of them
to commit thefts and other misdemeanors as bad, and worse, which I
shall not name out of the respect due your Majesty. They also marry
the Indian women, so that the latter may supply their necessities;
but the Indian women themselves do not possess those things. And
most usually there is great danger and risk of offenses against God,
and of the discrediting of the Spanish name and nation.
One other great harm follows from the above, and it is of great
moment. This is the slight credit and little esteem accorded to
the soldiers by these Sangleys, Japanese, and other peoples--and,
consequently or jointly with them, by ourselves--since they behold
them naked, ill clad, and worse conducted. The behavior of some,
as I have said, is of such a nature that out of respect I shall not
name their vices; but their actions and manners are a cause for sorrow.
It results and springs from this need that the soldiers are a
torment and a vexation to the community; and they become obnoxious
to, and are little liked and less esteemed by, the inhabitants; for
they are generally seen at the doors of the people begging for aid
in their need and poverty. It is a grief to consider and see every
one of these things--and the more so, as they are so just. And they
are felt much more by those who, with love and zeal for the glory
of God, care for and desire His service and that of your Majesty,
the welfare and increase of these lands, and the reputation of our
nation. Of a certainty this last is being ruined and lost more and
more daily. The remedy for these evils is the increase of the pay,
and provision for additions to it; and a decree by your Majesty that
the one hundred and fifteen pesos be regarded as a gratuity provided
until the arrival of the soldiers at Cavite. Only the half of this sum
should be given the soldiers in Mexico for their clothes, while the
other half should be kept back until their arrival at the said port,
without giving them any of it. This will be of much greater utility
than giving them all the pay in Mexico; for, if all is given them,
most of it goes in gambling, and whatever is left is lost and wasted
at sea. The captain of the vessel and crew becomes rich by means of
the quantities of playing-cards and other schemes to drain the poor
wretches of all their money. On this account they are wont to arrive
at the port, naked, ragged, and in such a condition that it is a pity,
shame, and grievous thing to see them. And if, beside this, they do
not receive any pay for many months, let your Majesty consider and
examine the tendency of such things, so that God and your Majesty
may be served, this country increased and settled, and our nation
esteemed. As things are now the rule is quite to the contrary; and
matters are in such a state that respectable and honorable men have
no desire to become soldiers, but only mestizos and the scum of the
people enlist. In the year ninety-four a great many of these latter
came hither. Would to God that they had no come in so great numbers,
on account of both their poverty and their evil habits. All of this
will be checked, or at least greatly remedied, by the course above
mentioned, and by keeping back one-half of their pay. With that half,
they could clothe themselves very comfortably, because at the time
of their arrival, the Chinese have come here with their merchandise;
and clothing is very cheap then, and to be had at moderate prices. In
this way they will be well dressed when they come here, and will
be considered, feared, and respected by these barbarians, and even
by ourselves. Then too, your Majesty will have more soldiers; for,
although they are not increased in respect to their number, this plan
will succeed in taking from them the causes for which they so quickly
desert, and their numbers are lessened. These causes are punishments,
and in a certain manner, the sickness and wretchedness that they
suffer--from which, together with the ordinary hardships and the
recklessness of some, many die.
It is advisable to bring the arms here on the account of your Majesty,
and not deliver them in Mexico to the soldiers; first that their
pay may not be lessened, and second that the soldiers may not lose
them on the way. Moreover, they will thus be brought from there,
and delivered to the men here, in better condition; and there will be
more weapons in this country. In conclusion, I assert that it is very
desirable that your Majesty order your governor and royal officials,
under very severe penalties, that this pay assigned by your Majesty to
the soldiers for the purposes indicated, be strictly and inviolably
kept separate in the treasury or in a separate account, and be paid
to the soldiers every four months, on the very day when it is due; and
that payment be not deferred or delayed for any reason or cause. For,
if the requisite system and order be observed in this, there can be
no lack of money; but, on the contrary, I think there will be a great
superabundance, if it is not spent for other things. Will your Majesty
order that this be not done for any reason whatever--unless, on some
occasion, after the third due has been paid to the soldiers, it may be
necessary to spend some of the money; but the pay shall be left sure
and certain, so that it be not wanting or payment delayed. This would
be a great injury, and would cause or create risk of many wrongs,
and troubles of great consequence. I say once more, Sire, that it
is very important and very necessary that your Majesty order this
strictly under severe penalties, in order that it may be observed
and obeyed promptly--without admitting, under any consideration, any
excuses fof failure to perform it; for this would be greatly against
the service of God and of your Majesty, as the cause and occasion of
many wrongs, offenses, and evil deeds, as well as of wretchedness.
Whether the soldiers' pay be raised or not, it would also be a great
relief and assistance in many cases of need (which are usual in this
community), if your Majesty, for the love and service of our Lord
and that of your Majesty, would at least be pleased to institute in
the hospital--inasmuch as there is a hospital for soldiers, and the
sick poor--or in La Misericordia, a separate lodging and quarters for
needy well people. Those there who have not the means to obtain food,
should at least be given one meal a day. By such a course many needy
Spaniards and soldiers could be aided and relieved in their most
pressing necessity, and would not die of hunger, or have to commit
thefts or other evil acts, which cause their death and decrease. In
this your Majesty and this country are heavy losers, on account of
both the expense of bringing the soldiers here, and the want and
need of soldiers. The above could be done at but little expense,
by using for this purpose the said thousand pesos for gratuities
that your Majesty orders granted annually, inasmuch as the amount
of gratuity paid to one person does not exceed ten pesos. This sum
is of no moment or great value, if spent in that way, and amounts
to nothing at all. But if spent as suggested above, it will be
of much more use to many, and those the most necessitous, and,
in addition, to the service of God and your Majesty. And by adding
eight hundred and twenty-five or thirty pesos more, from whatever
fund your Majesty may be pleased, five pesos can be spent every day
in the year on providing a good and substantial meal for about sixty
people. In short, this would prove of great relief and assistance,
and it can also be done by no means or method with more security,
than by your Majesty's putting it in charge of the Confraternity of
La Misericordia, if you are pleased so to command. It would be well
even to grant a considerable amount; for everything the brotherhood
puts hand to is to the great glory and service of God, and of your
Majesty, and the welfare of all this land. It could attend to this
also, which is of great importance. Will your Majesty command that
the plan most in conformity to your inclinations be adopted therein.
_In regard to the Seminary of Sancta Potenciana_
The Seminary of Sancta Potenciana is a charity of great service to God
our Lord, and the welfare of this community, for there are housed many
orphaned girls and the poor daughters of those who have served your
Majesty, and who have died, leaving daughters, and little or nothing
for their support and assistance. They can be assisted and reared here,
as is being done with many now in it. They live here in all virtue
and under good instruction, in great retirement, and engaged in holy
and devout exercises. Hence it results that the Divine Majesty of God
our Lord has daily and continual praises, and your Majesty prayers,
that are offered to Him for your Majesty. It only remains for your
Majesty to protect and favor this charity, both by granting it some
reward, as an aid to its support and expense; and by ordering that
there be professed nuns in it, as is the desire of this community--and
especially that the superior of this seminary be one. For this purpose
it would be highly desirable for your Majesty to have sent from Nueva
España three or four women of the sanctity, virtue, and experience
requisite. They are necessary to begin so heroic and important a
work, and to increase and further perfect it. By this God will be
very well served, your Majesty rewarded by His Divine Majesty, and
this community favored, consoled, and increased in spiritual blessings.
_That the posts on ships which ply hither be given to men of this
country_
It is important to appoint men of this country, well qualified and
sufficient for it, to the post of captain and other posts in the ships
plying to this country; for being inhabitants of the country, and men
who have to return and live in it, they will endeavor to procure its
welfare, and will fear to commit the wrong of casting goods overboard,
which is so injurious to this community. And especially is this
injurious to its poor, who suffer all the greatest hardships and
losses, as they cannot send their goods as can others who are more
powerful and perhaps less deserving. The latter load their goods in
a part of the ship which is safe from these risks; and it usually
happens that the rich profit from the good sale that they are wont
to have of the goods they send, while the poor are losers, because
their goods are not loaded or are cast overboard. If the captain is
not a man of much conscience, and only desires his own enrichment,
and not the welfare of the country, and again, does not have to live
here, but can return; and if he should commit any wrongs for any cause,
and for advantage to his own goods, it would be in vain to go to Nueva
España to beg satisfaction. If he were an inhabitant of this country,
he would fear to do wrong, in that he might not pay the penalty
afterward. Moreover, as men who do not live in this community have to
be given an opportunity of gain if they are to accept these offices,
it is better for the inhabitants of this country to make the profit,
for they will take the offices very willingly without any salary,
for the honor of the office and the advantage to their goods--both
in having a place to load them, and in making a profit from them
in Nueva España. Thus will be saved some salaries for captain,
assistants, and other officers; and to give them salaries is more of
a means of profit to those who fill the posts than an advantage or
necessity, since we have citizens, as has been said, who will accept
them without salaries. For these positions to be given in such a way
that respectable people may come to this country, it is necessary
that these officials remain in service here, instead of coming simply
for their own interest and a right to space and cargo on the return
voyage, in a country of so much worth, and so advantageous, but so
hurtful if there is a lack of respectable people.
And in order that the vessels may sail in a proper state of
preparation, and so that it may not be necessary to lighten them (as
ordinarily happens, to the great loss of the poorest and most needy,
as above said), it is especially important that the assessments and
charges for lightening be divided proportionally among all the goods
carried in the said vessels, [10] so that, the losses thus being
general, they will strive to avoid incurring them; and if some goods
are more valuable the losses may be shared among all, so that they
may be less oppressive and hurtful to the poor.
[_On the back is written_: "I entreat your Majesty, for the service of
our Lord, and your own, to be pleased to read this paper and letter
throughout; for it is important for the reasons I have adduced, and
for many others. Will your Majesty pardon my boldness and prolixity,
which are entirely born of an earnest desire, and of the necessity
of bringing forward some considerations and arguments which bear
upon these matters. Hence I was unable to shorten it, as I wished
and ought to have done."]