actions. Thus
the appointments should be given to those of the greatest merit.

_That the soldiers' pay be increased, and that it be paid them
punctually, three times a year, on the expiration of the time,
and without any delay; and that, whether it be increased or not,
an order be issued to give, as shall be declared, one meal per day
to poor and wretched Spaniards and soldiers who are without it. From
this follows what shall be declared in regard to it. It is advisable
to read this entire section_.

It is very desirable and necessary that the pay of the soldiers be
increased, for they suffer the utmost poverty and want with their
pay of but six pesos; for the country is so expensive and so needy
that they can in no manner be fed or clothed as is fitting. This is
necessary so that the spirit and honor of the soldiers may be kept
constant, and so that they may not be debased and humbled to the low
condition of becoming pages to women throughout the year. This fits
the name of soldiers of your Majesty very ill, and many of them are
now thus engaged. This is permitted to them and tolerated because
of their poverty; for when it is seen and regarded close at hand,
greater compassion and pity are felt for them. Another cause for
connivance and gentle treatment is the danger that they may commit
other greater wrongs in the way of theft and violence, to which need is
wont to incline and constrain men--and there is enough of such things.

There is also danger of their flight and desertion for fear of
punishment; and thus by being punished, the soldiery may be lost, and
the forces lessened and made useless. [After making all allowances,]
ordinarily there are plenty of them who require punishment, and more
than get it, in proportion to the universal need and poverty. Because
of these things, the raising of the pay is very important, as is also
a provision for additions to it, so that the companies may be kept
intact and respectable. For, if they have these, then respectable
young men who are in this country, and who now are leaving it, will
serve gladly. They now come usually on the footing of mercenaries,
because of their small means, and finally leave the islands--only
those remaining who are worthless and of no account, and even of them
but few. In other districts where there is no lack and need of people
as here, they ought to consent.

_That the one hundred and fifteen pesos given to the soldiers in
Mexico be reckon