r that the injury committed may be more
clearly evident, it is to be noted that these Indians are in the depth
of poverty, and have no possessions of value. Neither do they inherit
anything save a little plot of land which they sow with rice--not
to sell, but only for what is necessary for their families. Their
houses are built on four posts; their walls are of bamboo and thatch,
and are very small. Such was the spoliation committed on a people
so poor and wretched that they would say: "Father, I will give the
king twenty reals of eight annually, so that they will spare me from
repartimientos;" but, having investigated, all their property is not
worth an equal sum. This granted, request is made, by the common
opinion and consent of the governor, Audiencia, bishops, orders,
the Spaniards, and the Indians themselves, for permission from your
Majesty for the following:

The Indians of all these islands are willing to contribute annually
to his Majesty all the aid that may be necessary, and what they
are able to contribute, for the defense and conservation of these
islands, the building of ships, and all other things needful, in the
following manner. Every household and family will give, each year,
such a sum as may be ordered and as shall appear necessary, in this
manner. The Indians living at Manila, inasmuch as they have more
property and money, will give one or two pesos per house; and those
more remote the half or third part of that sum, or the fraction that
shall seem advisable, inasmuch as they are less established and are
very poor. This sum shall be collected and placed in one depository,
which shall be in common for all the islands, and shall be in charge
of a faithful person; and it shall have three keys. This money having
been collected, whenever his Majesty may need one, two, or three
vessels, more or less, in these islands, and shall choose either to
buy them in India or to build and construct them in these islands,
he needs fifty thousand pesos for that purpose. After first taking
from his royal chest and treasury the usual sum, the balance and
remainder--which is generally levied from the Indians at very low
rates, or without paying them at all--let him get from that chest of
the common fund of the Indians. Then the sum given by his Majesty and
the aid furnished by the Indians can be put together, and those boats
built or bought without making repartimientos among the communities
of the Indians. If common s