ling the case; and if he deny it, the case shall be reserved for
evidence within a short time, with obligation for publication and
conclusion. The said magistrates shall order that, as soon as both
parties name their witnesses, the latter shall be brought into court,
and an oath taken from them to tell the truth, and they shall cause
them to tell by word of mouth what they know. After they have thus
testified, the substance of their depositions shall be recorded,
in this form: "So and so of such an age, capable or incapable as a
witness, said so and so under oath;" and the same shall be done with
the other witnesses in the same order. The evidences of both parties
being taken, and the time-limit having expired, a just finding shall
be determined. If either of the parties appeal, the alcaldes-mayor
shall hear them in the court of appeals; and the witnesses named by
either party shall be subpoenaed, and shall give their evidence in the
same form as set forth above, the case being admitted to trial within
a short time, with obligation for publication and conclusion--at the
expiration of which the process shall be sent to this royal Audiencia
to be settled, the original parties being summoned for all trials,
the time and place being appointed by the court.

Second. _Item_: If the suit be a criminal suit, the complaint and
charge shall be received. If there is guilt, the person shall be
arrested, and the prisoner's declaration taken. The charge shall
be formulated against him, and the case admitted to trial within a
short period, with obligation for publication and conclusion; and
within the probatory limit the testimonies given in the preliminary
process shall be verified, other new ones received, if there be any,
and the defendant's plea taken. The time having expired, the case
shall be decided. If any of the parties shall appeal, the original
process shall be sent to the Audiencia; because in this way the said
natives will avoid heavy expense and cost, and the cases will be more
quickly decided. In criminal cases, no other form of process shall
be used than that which is appointed for civil cases.

Third. _Item_: If the suit be to the amount of three pesos, or
less, the judgment shall be so summary that only the substance of
the whole matter is to be written, together with the decision, in a
report. The original shall be retained by the notary, and if either
of the parties shall desire an authenticated copy, it shall be