red or two hundred tributes. To this difficulty is added
the burden and danger of the voyage, the heat and rains, and the
poor roads of the country. In regard to this matter should be stated
whatever remains to be told; also the remedy that may be applied by
adding to the tributes, and by making some islands dependent upon
others, as his Majesty may deem best.

5. _That a protector of the Indians, with a salary, be appointed,
who shall not be the royal fiscal._ Fifth: A protector of the Indians
should be appointed, a Christian man, and with authority to defend
them, and prosecute their suits. In order to avoid the losses and
expenses generally caused to the Indians by protectors, because of
their being common men, he should have a good salary; and the royal
fiscal should not be the protector, because in his duties more cases
against the Indians than in their defense necessarily arise, and he
cannot neglect to prosecute them. Therefore it is advisable that the
two offices be not merged in one person; and that the said protector
be authorized to prosecute, even to the deprivation of encomiendas or
other penalties, pecuniary or personal; that he have a voice and vote
in the cabildo, both actively and passively; that he take precedence
of the regidors and alguazil-mayor, and sit with the advocates and
not with the prosecutors; that he be not an encomendero, and that the
alcaiceria [i.e., silk-market], and the care of the Chinese residing
in Manila, be annexed to his office.

Chapter sixth. Of matters pertaining to the soldiers

1. _The serious troubles and annoyances which result from the soldiers
not being paid._ First: His Majesty should be informed that the
country is not settled or pacified, because it is poorly governed
and has so small a military force. There is lack of men, and even
the few that we have serve with no pay or means of gain, but with
many hardships and dangers, and in extreme poverty and desolation,
and worse than captivity, since they are forced to service without any
pay or support. From this ensue many evils. The first is, that they do
nothing, and they cannot and even will not do anything voluntarily; and
in this alone they are lacking in natural loyalty and fidelity to their
king. Second: They go--poor, despised, disgraced, sick, and needy--to
serve masters who are often mean, and persons who, although just to
others, sometimes give these men no compensation. With such hardships,
sorrows