at we are compelled by
necessity to choose [as we do] in order not to allow affairs here to
go to ruin for lack of money, which is not to be thought of. For you
are aware of what importance this is, being the essence and substance
of the rest; and it neither ought nor can be supposed that we should
not heed the expenditures for Filipinas that have been made from
my royal inheritance, which amount to more than seven millions, as
has been proved. If there were no other consideration than the mere
protection of religion and of the persons who live in those islands,
it would oblige us to consider the expense; but we must do so all the
more in this state of affairs, as it means the continual remittance
and expenditure of money, and all things cannot be attended to. The
matter has given us anxiety, as you will understand, regarding this
condition; and, after consideration of it, the following measures
are proposed to you.

Since the income from the revenues which belong to me in those
islands is considerable, you will try so to apportion it, and with
such prudence, care, and system, that they may be maintained and made
comfortable by it, since nothing more can be done than, by resigning
any profit from them, to appropriate all the proceeds from that
country to the islands themselves, without any profits whatsoever to
another country. As for the measures to be pursued in executing this
henceforth, no other rule can be given you more explicit than what you,
the Audiencia, and the royal officials shall find it practicable and
proper to apply.

It is likewise understood from thoroughly reliable persons who have
come from those islands--religious, and others who have brought letters
recommending them--that there are in those lands many well-known mines
of gold and other metals, which, if they were sought out, would be of
great utility and value; and that, if they were worked, their proceeds
would be sufficient not only for the expenses there, but even for the
aid of those here. These persons say that the reason why the mines
have not been operated has been a lack of energy and diligence for the
benefit and increase of the royal exchequer; and the fact that they
had the treasury of Nueva Espana as a protection, and so accessible
for all the expenses that have arisen. Accordingly I charge you very
particularly that, with the fidelity and promptness that is requisite
for so urgent a necessity, you will take measures to investigate