tained, and regulations are made
therefor. Trade between the American colonies with China or Filipinas
is prohibited; and the citizens of Filipinas are granted a monopoly of
the trade to Nueva Espana. But this is limited to a specified amount
and only two ships may be sent annually. The goods thus sent to Nueva
Espana must be consumed there. Copies of the merchandise registers of
these vessels must be sent to the Council of the Indias. Persons who
have been exiled to Filipinas must be compelled to reside there. No
slaves may be taken thence to Nueva Espana, except a small and
specified number allowed as servants of royal officials. The number of
officers and men allowed to each ship is limited and specified. The
soldiers sent must be effective and suitably equipped. The ships
must not be stripped of their defenses by Filipinas officials. Pilots
must undergo examination for this voyage. Information regarding the
money and goods carried on these vessels must be exchanged by the
officials at Manila and Acapulco. Ships must not be overladen. No
person may go from Nueva Espana to the islands unless he give bonds
for becoming a permanent resident of them, or is sent thither as a
soldier. Officials of the trading vessels may not engage in trade in
any form. The fares paid by passengers thereon shall be regulated,
and so adjusted that they shall pay their share toward the expenses
of carrying on this commerce. Due inspection of merchandise shall
be made at Acapulco and in Mexico. No Chinese goods may be traded
or conveyed, in any way, between Nueva Espana and Peru. The dues
collected at Acapulco on Filipinas merchandise shall be spent for the
needs of the islands. The amount of money which may be carried back
from Mexico is strictly limited to five hundred thousand pesos; and in
this amount must be included, to avoid frauds, all amounts of legacies,
and gifts for benevolent works, sent to Filipinas. No wrought silver
may be carried thither, except under close restrictions. The governor
of Filipinas and the viceroy of Nueva Espana shall exchange reports
of the business carried on by these ships. A trustworthy person must
be appointed at Manila to regulate the migration of Chinese and other
foreigners to the islands. Directions are given for the placing of
cargoes, marine stores, etc., on the ships; and their rigging must be
obtained at Manila instead of Acapulco. The ships and their crews must
be suitably armed for defense; and t