for invading and conquering China;
this would bring much wealth to the crown of Spain, and be the
means of converting innumerable souls to the Christian faith; the
king is urged to undertake this enterprise at once. The arguments in
justification of this conquest are left for Father Sanchez to explain
to his Majesty. The forces, equipment, and supplies necessary are
enumerated in detail, as also what part of these can be furnished in
the Philippines themselves, where preparations for the expedition have
already begun. The fleet which is expected to come from Spain with
men and supplies should land in Cagayan, Luzon; the routes which may
be taken by those vessels are described, and that by the Strait of
Magellan is recommended as the shortest and safest. It is desirable
to induce the Portuguese to take part in the proposed conquest; and an
auxiliary force will probably come from Japan. The Jesuit missionaries
who are in China are expected to act as guides and interpreters for
the expedition. The troops should be so numerous and well equipped that
they can at once awe the Chinese into submission; but they should not
be allowed to ravage the country, nor should the native government be
destroyed, as has so often been done in other Spanish conquests. It
must be understood that the proposed expedition is not to deal with
the Chinese as if they were Moors or Turks; it will be sent only
to escort the preachers of the faith, and to see that any converts
that they may gain shall be unmolested by the Chinese authorities;
it should therefore be commanded and officered by honorable, humane,
and Christian men. The gains which would result from the conquest
of China are enumerated--at first, mainly religious; these include
the foundation of many schools, churches, and monasteries for the
Chinese, wherein they will speedily become Europeanized. The writer
praises the natural abilities and excellent qualities of the people,
and especially the virtue of their women. As for worldly advantages,
these are many and great. Every year China can furnish to the Spanish
treasury galleons loaded with gold, silks, and other treasures; much
silver from its mines; and large amounts in rents, taxes, etc. All
China can be divided into encomiendas; and there will be many offices
and dignities to be enjoyed by the king's faithful vassals--indeed,
"a great part of the Spanish people could come to reside there, and be
ennobled." On account of the great vir