the islands be properly inspected and
regulated. In other letters of the same date, the governor urges at
some length that the Audiencia at Manila should be abolished. The
Spanish population is so small that the Audiencia has but little
occupation; the auditors bring to the islands numerous relatives or
friends, for whom they secure the offices and benefits which rightfully
belong to the inhabitants; they appropriate the best of the Chinese
trade and of its profits, compelling the citizens to stand aside; and
they tyrannize over the latter in many ways. The auditors interfere
with the affairs of the military service, and hinder the governor from
performing his duties. The expense of their salaries is a heavy burden
on an impoverished country, and the treasury has not enough means to
meet the demands constantly made upon it. The people are discontented
and clamorous, and they ought to be freed from this encumbrance. A
postscript dated July 19 refers to the king a dispute between the
Audiencia and archbishop regarding the seminary of Santa Potenciana.

Letters from Pedro Chirino (undated; 1604?) to the king ask for
royal grants to aid the Jesuit seminary for boys at Cebu. In support
of this request he cites the benefits derived from this school by
natives as well as Spaniards, and the ministrations to all classes
by the Jesuits in charge of it; and adduces the testimony of various
witnesses, secular and ecclesiastical, to the same effect. His request
is granted by the royal council. By a decree of December 31, 1604,
the Spanish government regulates the trade of the American colonies
with the Philippines. The substance of previous decrees is rehearsed,
and Felipe orders that the trade of the islands with Nueva Espana
be continued, although under some restrictions. The commander and
other officials are to be appointed by the governor and archbishop
at Manila, and chosen from citizens of the islands. The officials of
the ships may not engage in trade, and the salaries of the two highest
are fixed. Provision is made for more rigid inspection of vessels and
their cargoes, for equitable allotment of space, and for the safety
of the crews. Freight charges are to be moderated and regulated;
additional duties on goods are levied, and provision is made for
the care and expenditure of these, also for inspection of cargoes
and money shipped at Acapulco. No person may go to the Philippines
unless he shall give security for his permane