Filipinas.
One (and the most important) of the matters which are necessary for the
preservation and growth of that kingdom--whereon depends, as it were,
the attainment of its object--is that the governors should be such men
as are suitable for that post, and have the requisite qualifications
demanded by that government. As so few have hitherto gone there who
are thus qualified, the hindrance to the growth of that country has
been much more than can be understood here.
For thirty years I have been a resident in the Filipinas, and have
not seen one governor such as was needed there, excepting Gomez Perez
de las Marinas, who improved and bettered that land in only the three
years during which he governed, more than all together who had gone
before or have come since have done. The reason for this is, that
those who have succeeded since that time either had not had experience
in government, or did not possess the divine gift which is necessary
for this so delicate task. Over there, although a soldier is needed
who understands matters of war and knows how to regulate and direct
them as they should be, yet he should be receptive of instruction;
and he would learn much more there through the counsel of those who
have broad experience, and through what experience can teach him,
than through any knowledge that they can carry from here. This is the
reason why matters there are very different from those in this kingdom,
as if we were speaking of different species--not only of people and of
their opinions, but of their modes of life and their natures. From this
it has resulted that those who have undertaken to conduct affairs by
the rules current here have committed irremediable blunders. But the
principal thing which is necessary there is that he should be a good
public man, for the basis and fundamental need is good government,
and efforts for the increase of the land, and directing all one's care
toward its welfare, according good treatment to the citizens, showing
kindness to foreigners, and attracting and winning the affections
of all. Great care should be taken to despatch the ships from Nueva
España promptly, and with proper supplies. All the people should be
encouraged to go to trade with the neighboring countries, to build
vessels, to extend their interests, and to bring wealth from those
lands. They should be not only governors, but fathers and protectors
of the Indians. This land, I assure you in all truth, if it had been
thus governed, would be the best and richest in the world, and your
Majesty would possess many sources of profit. Thus all the misfortunes
and losses of property that have occurred there (which have been very
great), have resulted by reason of and through the fault of those
who have governed it, without any one thus far having been punished
or his residencia taken thereon. If Gomez Perez was successful, it
was because he already had had experience in governing, and had been
corregidor many times, in which capacity he was obliged to consider
not only affairs of government but also those of war. Above all,
he was a very good Christian and desirous of doing right, which is
the basis on which is founded all that is good. Accordingly, at his
death, that country lost the special character that he had given it;
but his memory will endure for many years in that city, as that of
the father of the country. About the city of Manila he built a wall of
great strength, fortified it, cast artillery, and performed many other
works with no ado, nor cost to your Majesty. He took to Maluco the
choicest fleet which has ever been collected in the Indias, without
having used for it the thousands from Mexico which your Majesty has
ordered to be carried to other governors; and all this he did by his
prudent plans and energetic action. Hence may be seen the importance
of sending a governor there who is possessed of the traits that I have
mentioned; for, besides so many advantages and good results as he can
secure, and the evils which he can obviate, he will be able to save
for your Majesty many ducados. Indeed, if the money which could have
been dispensed with this year had been saved, your Majesty would be
able to accomplish many military works and gain much wealth. And since
your Majesty entrusts to him more than to all the other governors of
the Indias, it is right that you should seek more carefully for such
a man in that place than for any of the others; since not alone does
your Majesty entrust him with a kingdom, but with your reputation and
renown, which among so many different nations is only known through
your governors for your Majesty. I even dare to say that hence also
comes their knowledge of God. For to him is principally confided the
honor of God and the conversion of so many souls, since we have seen
so plainly how important is his good example; and, on the other hand,
he will abolish evil and scandal not only there, but that which is
spreading in Great China and other nations. They believe that our king
is such a one as they see reflected in him who represents him. What
is still more to be deplored is that, within the last few years,
there has arisen blasphemy against God and derision of your Majesty
among those infidels, on this account. So great is the importance
of your Majesty sending a person such as I have here described;
for those who have not these qualities will destroy rather than build.