a, Misamis, Zamboanga, Samar, Leyte,
and Marianas (three hundred leguas distant). It contains one hundred
and forty-three curacies, of which eighty-six are served by regulars
and fifty-seven by seculars.

At present there are four hundred and fifty Spanish religious
in Filipinas, and seven hundred Filipino secular priests, or
thereabouts. More than three per cent of the Spaniards die annually;
so that, in order that their present number may not diminish, it is
necessary for fifteen to go there annually.

As a conclusion to this chapter, I cannot resist the desire to insert
the words of a wise religious of Filipinas of former days, Father
Pedro Murillo Velarde, as it may be useful to the ministers of the
present time who may read these pages.

"To take the mean of the proportion in the administration of the
Indians is one of the most difficult matters of the prudence. The
parish priest must be in the village the loving father, the hospitable
tutor, the master and diligent teacher of his parishioners; and as
such he must not treat them as if he were a seignior of vassals. He
must be dignified, but without affecting majesty. He should always
strive to be loved, rather than feared. He must be affable, but not
vulgar. He must not separate himself far from intercourse with his
parishioners, nor be too familiar. He should visit them in charity
rather than in affection. He should listen to their complaints, but
not to their malicious reports. He should settle their controversies,
but not in a partial manner. He should not be altogether credulous,
nor despise everything. If one Indian accuses another, he should
ascertain, before all else, whether they have quarreled. He must not
be all honey, nor all gall. He should punish, but not flay off the
skin. If the Indian knows that there is no whip near, the village
will be quickly lost. A good beating at the proper time is the best
antidote for all sorts of poisons; for, in the end, fear guards the
vineyard. In punishments, let him show himself a father, not a hangman;
and, in case of doubt, let him incline rather to mildness than to
severity. Let him hear quarrels and discussions with the alcaldes,
but let him not allow them to fleece his sheep. Let him defend his
own jurisdiction, but not usurp that of another. Let him not become
an alcalde unless the alcalde tries to become a cura. If he is unable
to settle the quarrels of the Indians satisfactorily, he shall allow
them to go t