machinery of that colony, the status of the
various religious orders, the missions conducted by them, and other
valuable information--showing the religious condition of the islands
at various times, from 1656 to 1899. These are obtained from Jesuit,
Augustinian, Franciscan, and Recollect chronicles, and from secular
sources--the French scientist Le Gentil, the Spanish official Mas,
and the German traveler Jagor--thus enabling the student to consider
the subject impartially as well as intelligently.

Only two documents appear here in the usual chronological sequence;
they belong to the years 1637-38. The officials of the Augustinian
order in the islands inform the king (September 9, 10, 1637) that
the archbishop is making trouble for them over the question of the
"alternativa" in appointments to offices within the order; and ask
the king not to believe all the reports that may reach him about this
matter. They add a memorial on the difficulties which Gregory XV's
decree establishing that alternativa have caused in the Philippines;
and relate their action in regard to the faction in their order who
insist that an insignificant minority shall have equal rights to
offices with the better-qualified majority.

The Jesuit Juan de Barrios, who accompanied Corcuera in his expedition
against Jolo, relates (March-April, 1638) the events of that campaign
in letters to Manila. The Spaniards are repulsed several times in
attacking the Moro stronghold, and one of their divisions is surprised
by the enemy with considerable loss to the Spaniards. Corcuera
then surrounds the hill with troops and fortifications, and begins
a regular siege of the Moro fort; various incidents of this siege
are narrated. On the day after Easter the Moros, starved and sick,
send Corcuera proposals for surrender; and finally they abandon their
stronghold, and take flight, leaving the Spaniards in possession
of all their property as well as the fort. A letter from Zamboanga
(perhaps by Barrios) adds further particulars of the surrender and
flight of the Joloans, the mortality among the Spaniards, the garrison
left there by Corcuera, etc.

Taking up the general religious status of the islands, we select
from the _Recopilacion de las leyes de Indias_, lib. i, tit. xiv,
the laws that especially concern the religious in the Philippines,
dated from 1585 to 1640. These persons may not go to China or other
countries, or return to Spain or Mexico, without special pe