p the Indians whom they held as slaves, many
others still retain them--forbidding them to have house or property
of their own, or to live in their own villages and doctrinas. [42]
A new decree is necessary, so that an end may be put to all this pest,
as was done in Nueba Espana and Piru.

5. _That the enslavement of Indians by other Indians be regulated._
Fifth: His Majesty is informed that all the chief and wealthy Indians,
and even many of the common people among them, have and continually
make, many slaves among themselves, and sell them to heathen and
foreigners, although the slave may be a Christian. It is ascertained
that of the twenty and more different methods of enslavement not one
is justifiable. Although in regard to those who are recently enslaved,
and are known, reform is easy, still regarding the many held from
former times, the bishop and all his assistants are in great doubt
and perplexity, because, on the one hand, they see that the Indians
possess and inherit the slaves from their parents and grandparents,
while on the other, the ecclesiastics are certain that none, or almost
none, of the slaves were made so justly. Therefore, hardly any learned
and conscientious religious is willing, not only to absolve, but
even to baptize or marry the Indian, unless he gives up his slaves;
for these generally are, or were, stolen from other countries,
or taken in unjustifiable petty warfare, or made slaves for very
small debts--of which the majority admit no other payment than their
enslavement--others by usury and barter according to their custom,
and by other methods, even more unjust than these. It is necessary
for his Majesty to ordain some method so that, now and henceforth, at
least those who are under our control, may make no more slaves; that
children born to those who are now slaves, or appear to be slaves,
should be born free; that those that wish to redeem themselves may
do so at a price adjudged reasonable by arbitrators; and that those
held at present may not be sold to pagans, or to Indians not subject
to his Majesty.

6. _The annoyances to the Indians from lawsuits and the
preparation therefor._ Sixth: His Majesty should prevent the
annoyances and troubles suffered by the Indians from the ministers
of justice--alcaldes-mayor, deputies, notaries, and alguazils--by
the many suits that they stir up among them, not only about events
occurring since the advent of the Spaniards and a government,
but also