ax
is outlined, and numerous reasons for its abolition are adduced. The
inhabitants of Manila no longer make large profits in their trade
with Nueva Espana; nor are the expenses of that trade such a burden as
formerly on the royal treasury. The same results are really obtained
from the tax levied on the Chinese goods that are carried to Manila,
and this additional tax is too heavy a burden on the people. The royal
duties alone amount to twenty-seven per cent on their investments of
capital, and the costs and expenses to even a greater sum. Too much
pressure of this sort will cause the people of Manila to abandon
entirely a profitless trade; in that case the customs duties would
cease, and the islands would fall into the hands of the Dutch. The
misfortunes and losses of Manila by fires and shipwrecks must also
be taken into account, as well as the loyalty with which they serve
the crown--always ready to risk their lives and property for it, and
often loaning money to the treasury in its needs. The royal fiscal
makes reply to this document, advising the royal Council to give this
matter very careful attention, and to consider not only the need of the
inhabitants but the low condition of the royal finances; he recommends
mild measures. The procurator thereupon urges, in brief, some of his
former arguments (also citing precedents) for the discontinuance of
the two per cent duty. An interesting compilation from the accounts
of the royal treasury at Manila shows the total receipts in each
of its different funds for the five years ending January 1, 1635,
each year separately.

A letter of consolation to the Jesuits of Pintados who have suffered
so much from the Moro pirates is sent out (February 1, 1635) by
the provincial of the order, Juan de Bueras. Andres del Sacramento,
a Franciscan friar at Nueva Caceres, complains to the king (June 2,
1635) of interference in the affairs of that order by certain brethren
of the Observantine branch, who have by their schemes obtained control
of the Filipinas province; and asks that the king assign the province
to one or the other branch, allowing no one else to enter it. About
the same time, a high Franciscan official at Madrid writes, probably
to one of the king's councilors, promising to investigate and punish
certain lawless acts by Manila friars of his order.

The Jesuits of Manila having asked for a grant from the royal treasury
to rebuild their residence there, the matter is discu