[On this point, the writer urges greater care and more sense of
responsibility. All government officials, of every grade, should
be of good morals, old enough to have stability of character,
sufficiently competent and experienced to understand their duties,
and such as will set a good example to the natives.] The imprudence
of one man alone has often been sufficient to incite a sedition in
the minds of various parties or castes in those islands; and in any
case it is very dangerous to entrust positions of command to persons
who are not endowed with well-proved ability and discretion. I
cannot attribute the laxity which in recent times is evident in
all branches of the administration and government of those islands
to any other cause than the injudicious selection of many of their
employees. The military corps, whose former captains and subalterns
had been mainly sergeants sent from the Peninsula, were kept in the
best order and discipline until, in the year '23, those officers were
added to them who accompanied General Martinez--of some of whom,
according to the documents which were executed for my court, their
appointment to the Indias, with their scandalous conduct, looks
like a proof that in España there was neither religion, morality,
nor subordination. [Bernaldez urges that certain qualifications be
required for office in Filipinas; the governors should be members of
learned bodies, and excel in discretion and ability, and in the art
of governing, and of promoting the welfare of a country, rather than
in the military art. The intendants should be "enlightened economists,
capable of creating and promoting the great wealth of which that virgin
country is capable." The officials of the Audiencia should be at least
thirty-five years old, with ten years of service, and experienced in
legal practice; and other employees should be trustworthy, experienced,
and not mere youths. "The Filipinas Islands, like every colony, are
the country of the corruption of youth, and where it is necessary to
work with men whose characters are already formed."]