III--Madrid, December 12, 1619.]

LAW VIII

In the fleets that shall sail from these kingdoms to Filipinas in
order to succor them, or for matters of our service, married pilots
may embark, even though they leave their wives in these kingdoms. And
because when they shall have reached the said islands, they will wish
to return to their families, and it is right that no obstructions be
placed in their way, and in that of others, we order the governors
to allow them to return and perform their voyage, and to give them
the necessary despatches. [Felipe III--Madrid, December 12, 1619.]

LAW XXVI

There is sufficient flour in the Filipinas for the supplies that are
provided there on our account. Inasmuch as that taken from Nueva
Espana is not so good, we order that provision of this product be
not made from Nueva Espana, in consideration of the fact that it is
advisable to benefit our royal treasury as far as possible. [Felipe
III--Madrid, May 23, 1620.]

LAW XLV

In the permission conceded to the inhabitants of Filipinas of
the lading-space in the ships that sail to Nueva Espana, it
is ordered that this be distributed according to their rank and
wealth. Notwithstanding, the governors do not make the allotment in
accordance with this order. Sometimes they give it, under pretext of
gratuities, to officers on half-pay, thus obliging the inhabitants to
buy space at excessive prices. Sometimes they allot many toneladas for
charitable purposes, in order that these may be sold, and the price
[obtained for them] be used therefor, to the prejudice of the general
welfare; this results from causing them to be sold to those who will
pay the best price for them, and merchants who have companies in Mejico
buying them--to whom a great part of the merchandise generally belongs,
to the prejudice of the citizens to whom is conceded the permission
by which favor is shown them. We order and command the governors to
observe the ordinance; and if they violate it, it will be placed as
a clause in their residencia. [Felipe III--Madrid, May 23, 1620.]

LAW XIX

The ships which shall be built for the trade between Filipinas and
Nueva Espana shall have and shall without fail carry their hearths
under the forecastle, and in no other part. In no case shall they be
carried above deck. [Felipe III--Madrid, May 29, 1620.]

LAW XLIX

The accommodations distributed to the officers in the ships of
Filipinas shall be moderate, and shal