ave
been chosen, that are more harmful to the state, to the propagation
of religion, and even to the natives themselves. It is, indeed, very
strange that so much effort should have been exercised in impeaching
the purity of the parish priests, by degrading in passing their
respectable character, just at the moment when circumstances would
make it appear natural that because on account of the mortality and
scarcity of religious, the ardor and authority of even the few who
remain ought to be encouraged by new stimulation. [This comes, too,]
at a time when because the sending of missionaries to China has been
suspended, and the spiritual conquest of the Igorrotes and other
infidels who inhabit the interior of the islands has been almost
abandoned the said Spanish laborers can neither give any help to
the ordinary administration, nor prevent the transference of whole
provinces to the hands of secular Indians and Sangley mestizos (as
is happening)--who by their crass ignorance, disgraceful morals,
and utter lack of decency, incur universally the contempt of their
parishioners, making them, because of the tyrannies of these, sigh
for the gentle yoke of their former shepherds.

"If it is desired, then, to keep this colony subject, and to elevate
it to the lofty grade of prosperity, of which it is susceptible, in my
opinion the first thing that ought to be attempted is the efficient
organization of its spiritual administration. I say again, that we
cannot be blind to the fact that, if the local government is powerless,
because of the lack of military force and the scarcity of Europeans,
to make itself duly obeyed through its own efforts, it is necessary
to call to its aid the powerful influence of religion, and to bring
new reenforcements of missionaries from the peninsula. For the latter
differ essentially by their nature from the rest of public servants;
it is well known that they neither claim nor expect any remuneration
for their labor, aspiring only to obtain in the community the degree
of respect to which they rightfully believe themselves entitled. Let
their jurisdictions, then, be preserved, let them be treated with
decorum, and let the direction of the Indian be entrusted to them; and
instantly, they will be seen, in turn, reconciled, and the supporters
of the legitimate authority.

"Nothing is more unjust, nor of which the ministering fathers complain
with more reason, than the little discernment with which people h