ad interim_ to the
government of the islands, Guiral asks for the royal decision of
such questions. The fiscal complains of the tyrannical conduct of
many friars, especially among the Augustinians, toward the Indians;
he has opposed this as much as possible, but asks further redress
from the king. The coming of the discalced Augustinians (Recollects)
has been a useful check on the other branch of that order, especially
on its arrogant provincial, Lorenzo de Leon--of whose unlawful acts
Guiral complains, and demands an investigation. He has obliged the
stray Indians about Manila to return to their native places; and he
asks that those who are retained for the service of the religious
orders shall be kept within the allotted number, and that the friars
be compelled to pay these servants fairly. The Audiencia has allowed
Gabriel de Ribera to resume his encomiendas, vacated by his illegal
absence from the islands; and the fiscal asks for correction of this
procedure. He advises the king to refuse the claims made by Figueroa's
heirs for release from the debts incurred by the conquest of Mindanao;
and states that Tello and Morga are the ones responsible for part
of these expenses, and for others which were paid from the royal
treasury by the Audiencia. Guiral ends by requesting permission to
leave the islands as soon as a permanent appointment to his office
of fiscal can be made.

Proceedings in the Council of the Indias (August 5 and 15, 1606)
deal with Acuna's effort to recover the Maluco Islands, from, the
Dutch, summarizing his letters of July 1-7, 1605, and recommending
the measures to be taken by the Spanish government in regard to
it. Later advices emphasize Acuna's statements as to the gravity
of the situation in the Spice Islands. The Council commend Acuna's
action, and advise the king to further his efforts and supply him
(from Mexico) with troops and money. The Council of State act thereon,
seconding these recommendations, and advising that the archbishop and
the Audiencia of Manila be warned not to meddle with affairs of war.

Of special interest to American readers is a royal decree (August 19,
1606) addressed to Governor Acuna, establishing "a way station for
Philippine vessels on the Californian coast". The king recounts the
results of Vizcaino's exploration on that coast in 1602, and the
advantages of Monterey as such station. It is believed that gold
abounds in that region, and that many other advantages wo