tue, modesty, submissiveness,
and beauty of the Chinese women, they would prove to be excellent
wives for the Spaniards; thus the two peoples would mingle, and
"all would be united, fraternal, and Christian." It is for lack of
such amalgamation that European experiments in Oriental colonization
have hitherto failed; but the proposed scheme will ensure to Spain
success in such expansion. They have thus far failed therein in the
Philippines, scorning the natives as inferior beings, who are fit only
to be their slaves. The Spaniards care only for their own enrichment,
and treat the natives cruelly; consequently the latter are steadily
diminishing, and the condition of the islands is deteriorating. But in
China all will be different, in both temporal and spiritual matters;
and both Spaniards and Chinese will be greatly benefited, enriched,
and increased. Certain minor advantages to arise from the conquest of
China are enumerated--the establishment of numerous episcopal sees; the
foundation of new military orders, and the extension of the old ones;
the creation of many titled lords, and appointment of viceroys for the
conquered provinces. China, thus subdued, will be a vantage-ground from
which Spain can control all Asia and a land-route to Europe. Chinese
colonists can be imported into the Philippines, "and thus enrich
themselves and this land." And, finally, the immediate occupation of
China will forestall any advance into the far Orient by the French,
or the English, or any other heretical nation. This scheme--which as
it proceeds acquires, like a soap-bubble, great size and brilliant
coloring, and proves equally unsubstantial and transient--is signed
by the governor, bishop, superiors of the religious houses, and a
long array of other notables in the islands.

By the mail which carries the "Memorial" are sent various letters
supplementing the information contained in that document, or commending
the envoy, Father Sanchez. The military officials write to the king
(June 24), reminding him that the foothold gained in the islands by
the Christian faith can be maintained only by the presence of troops
there. The soldiers (whose courage and loyalty in the past are praised)
are discouraged, because they have not received the rewards which
they expected; they are lawless and demoralized, and their officers
cannot control them. The defense of Manila is thus imperiled, and
the natives are led to despise the Spaniards. The officers