decreased. The viceroy carefully analyzes the proposal to transfer
the Philippine trade to Spain, and shows its probable results. The
Manila merchandise is almost entirely silk; this could be replaced in
Mexico with the cotton fabrics made by the Indians in that country,
and the silk industry might be introduced into Mexico and made a
success there. Nevertheless, the Philippines would be injured by
the suppression of their Mexican trade, and there would not even
be a corresponding benefit to Spain. He has not much confidence in
the disinterestedness of the Sevilla merchants, and refutes some
of their arguments. The Spanish goods sent to Manila via Acapulco
are mainly articles of luxury, and in small quantity; and the cloth
stuffs of Spain are not desired in Japan or Luzon. He disapproves any
course which would bring the Chinese silks into Spain, for thus the
silk industry of that country would be ruined; moreover, the Chinese
goods are poor and have little durability. Montesclaros emphatically
denies that the stoppage of Philippine trade will materially affect
the outflow of silver from Nueva Espana, or benefit Spain; and advises
the king not to favor the Seville merchants or the Portuguese of India
to the neglect of his Castilian subjects. He compares the advantages
of the two routes between Manila and Spain, and considers that by
the Pacific Ocean the better. The viceroy discusses the matter of
sending reenforcements to the Philippines, and suggests that it
might be advantageous to send troops to Acapulco via the Isthmus of
Panama. He points out various dangers from the proposed suppression
of he Philippine-Mexican trade.

The bishop of Nueva Segovia writes (August 15, 1613), apparently
to some high official at the Spanish court, asking that aid may be
furnished to the recently founded college of Santo Tomas. Soria
complains of the Jesuits and the governor, who are opposing the
Dominicans. More priests of that order (to which the writer belongs)
are needed in the islands. Soria makes various accusations against
the Augustinians and their leading officials, and recommends Aduarte
and his mission to his correspondent's favor.

Felipe III writes to Silva (December 2, 1613), directing him to send
to Mexico all the quicksilver that he can procure in China. The
king approves Silva's acts in regard to Chinese immigration, and
investigation of corrupt officials. He asks for further information
as to Japanese trade, the trea