; and that the whole
thing results in labor and oppression for the Indians. If galleys are
built and equipped--even when by order of his Majesty, and for the
defense of these seas and rivers, it has been said with accusations
that for so poor a land this is a very heavy burden; and that these
and other preparations cannot be made, except in a known extremity,
and a manifest and evident danger. They have urged the same obstacle
against me in equipping the galleys with seamen from among the Indians;
and say that, in good conscience, this cannot be done; that although
such natives otherwise may be the perpetual slaves of their chiefs,
while here they are seamen for but three years, at the end of which
they are freed, this is not sufficient to justify it, as the work is
different, greater, and against natural right. They have even said
that, if there is no other means to have galleys, there should be none,
or that the king find the method, since, by virtue of the tribute that
he levies, the defense of the land belongs to him. If order is given
to gather the rice and other foods--so necessary a preparation in
case of any adverse event--or that tackle, lines, and other supplies
be made (for which the Indians are well paid for their work thereon),
neither can this be done, because the Indians are deprived of food,
and it is a great affliction. In short, there is contradiction and
opposition to everything, and moreover, called by a name so serious as
charge of conscience and salvation or condemnation of the soul. This,
at the very least, however necessary may be the things ordained,
renders lukewarm and greatly disheartens him who ordains them, and
continues to warn him; so that it has happened to me that, by finding
myself confused and with my hands almost tied by so many outcries
in the pulpits, so many declarations, and so many acclamations and
persuasions, I have been temporizing. And, little by little, this has
increased, with that which the troubles and dangers were demanding in
the procuring of repairs and remedies, until now when it is evident--by
reason of the information that I have received of Xaponese enemies,
which can have only a sure and certain foundation--that there will be
no need of announcing to them, in the manifest danger that threatens,
the arousing and quickening of the great and ardent desire that I
have always had, that I might succeed in seeing this state in some
condition of perfection, and in such re