eans, it would be well if these
offices were sold--not by auction, but putting upon them a moderate
price, and having them given, with the supervision and approval of
the Audiencia, to the men of most merit and best character. There
should not be more than eight regidors; for, with the other persons
who, by reason of their offices, have votes in the cabildo--namely,
the three royal officials, the two wardens of the fortresses, and the
alguacil-mayor of the city--there are fourteen votes, which, in a place
of three hundred citizens, is a sufficient number. As those appointed
understand that they must pay money for the appointments and gifts,
in this way they will be given to suitable persons; and this should
always be done, so long as they are appointed here, and are not free
to attend to their duties as they should--because the governors have
had the power to take their offices away without cause, whenever it
might appear best to them. The most just way would be to sell them,
and use the proceeds to aid the royal treasury in its needs.

[_In the margin_: "Have this sent to the new governor, so that the
regidors who were appointed wrongly, or are not proper persons,
may be removed; and let others be appointed (such as possess the
qualifications and capacity), up to the number of eight in all. Let
him advise us of his action."]

12. After Governor Gomez Perez Dasmarinas came, there was offered from
the royal exchequer of your Majesty to the accountant Andres Cauchela
(who was proprietary), and to Captain Gomez de Machuca--who, on the
death of Juan Baptista Rroman, treasurer and factor, was appointed to
the said offices by the said Gomez Perez--to these two was assigned
the making of a report on all matters which concerned the treasury,
to bring before the said governor. It is understand that there were
some matters needing correction, for those same officials have written
this. This also appears probable from the manner in which the person
who was appointed for that office by the said governor conducted
himself. He signed the account without seeing or examining the reports,
or even noticing whether the charges were made, and if everything had
been collected that should be, nor that which concerned the merchandise
and the royal warehouses. Nor did he afterward audit any account. For
this reason, and because he grew rich during the time while the said
offices were held, it would be well to inspect them, and again take
cha