s.

A papal bull concerning missions is issued (June 28, 1633) by Urban
VIII. After citing previous decrees of the Holy See respecting
the despatch of missionaries to Japan and the Philippines, and their
journeys between those countries, Urban grants permission to the heads
of religious orders to send missionaries to the countries and islands
of Eastern India by other routes than that of Portugal. He also warns
the religious thus sent to observe uniformity of instructions to the
newly-converted heathen, "especially in matters relating to morals,"
and "to restrict their teaching to general principles." They must base
their instruction on the Roman Catechism and Bellarmino's "Christian
Doctrine." They are empowered to administer the sacraments to the
Christians in Japan; and are strictly forbidden to engage in any
form of trade, directly or indirectly. The superiors of orders are
directed to enforce the penalties herein imposed on religious who may
violate this prohibition; and disputes arising between orders are to
be settled by the bishops of the respective countries, who are also
directed to enforce the observance of these decrees.

A Dominican at Manila, Juan Garcia, sends (1632) to Sevilla such news
as he can gather soon after his arrival in the islands. In Japan, it is
said, the emperor has imprisoned many Dutchmen; and, with the decline
of their influence, he has become more lenient to the Christians,
sending them into exile instead of putting them to death. But any
friars or preachers captured there are horribly tortured. The Dominican
mission to Camboja has been unsuccessful. Formosa is being conquered by
soldiers, and Dominican friars are making some conversions there. Some
of these preachers have gone to China, where the field is enormous,
but full of promise.

Juan Cerezo de Salamanca, governor _ad interim_ between Tavora
and Corcuera, sends a report to the king (August 14, 1633). The
first section relates to military affairs. The forts and troops
in the islands are enumerated. It is somewhat doubtful whether the
occupation of Formosa should be maintained. More care should be taken
in sending reenforcements to Ternate, and Heredia should be superseded
as governor. The galleys belonging to the government are useless,
and Cerezo will dispense with all save that at Ternate. There is
quarreling over the legal status of the army men in the courts,
which should be defined.

Another section relates to general a