diencia opportunity to take severe
measures toward this region. I intend to use rigor at the coming of
the ships this year; for this is demanded by the prevalent excesses
and our actual experience of the difficulties that result therefrom.

[_Endorsed _: "Copies of parts of letters from the Conde de Monterey,
[10] written to his Majesty, May 15, 1602."]

Points in the Petition from the Filipinas Islands in Regard to Their
Commerce

_First point_

That the commanders, captains, and officers of the vessels plying on
the line, be inhabitants of the said islands, and not of Nueva Espana,
so that the losses, frauds, and injuries that they cause in loading
their goods, and in the transportation by the ships of enormous sums
of pesos in consignment and trust, may cease. This would save for his
Majesty's treasury the salaries paid the officers of the vessels,
and would benefit the islands. The citizens of the islands would
receive such posts, when it should pertain to them, as a reward for
their services, as the governors have been ordered to grant them to
meritorious men.

The bishops of Paraguay and Nueva Segovia declare in information
given on this matter, at the order of the Council, that for its remedy
and the aid of the islands, it would be very advisable to establish
a consulate in Manila; and that the [royal] ships, together with
the vessels of the merchants, should go on its account. His Majesty
should be given the hulls of the ships, and the masters and officials
appointed in the said islands, to whom money from Mexico should not
be committed, nor should it be given them in trust. The expense caused
to his Majesty by them would thus be saved.

_Second point_

That the governors be ordered not to sell tonnage in the ships plying
in the line to Nueva Espana, no matter what expenses are incurred.

The bishops assert that it is not advisable to sell any space,
but that, in case of great necessity, it be done by the consulate;
it would be better, however, not to sell it, for if it is sold,
then there will be no freight-money for navigating the vessels.

_Third point_

That the viceroy of Nueva Espana be ordered not to give permission for
any Piruvian merchants to go to the islands from Piru, under pretext
that they are going to become citizens of the islands--because of the
injuries that the islands receive therefrom; because of those merchants
carrying, as they do, large sums of money belonging to themsel