in any way. Even with that which
is sent we suffer much hardship; and accordingly it is necessary to
avoid expense, so far as is possible. That which is incurred for the
auditors and Audiencia is not so insignificant, as it is not less than
sixteen thousand five hundred pesos, not counting other expenses; and
then the fines from condemnations, which they apply to suit their own
convenience. These amounts, taken altogether, would be enough for an
armed fleet, with which to help in the defense of this land--which is
needed badly enough, but which for lack of money we cannot equip--and
many other things could be remedied. In the future there will be
still more difficulty in this matter, because of the extraordinary
expenses which have resulted from the uprising of the Sangleys, and the
deficiency which on this acount has this year resulted in the royal
duties on merchandise from China, which goes as high as thirty-five
to forty thousand pesos; and there is a further loss of five or six
thousand pesos each year, which is the amount of the tributes from
the Sangleys--an income that we formerly received, which is now at
an end. Consequently, I do not believe that the Audiencia will be of
any use at all, but rather it will cause great injury to the service
of your Majesty and the welfare of this commonwealth. Even if the
two were not rivals, I doubt very much if the Audiencia could be
maintained without there being great deficiency in everything else,
if their salaries are to be paid here. I consider it more advantageous
and safe to spend what the said Audiencia draws in salaries, to aid
in paying the soldiers and maintaining the fleet of galleys which
[_MS. defective_] we defend, and not the presence of the said auditors
and Audiencia, as they themselves assert who were of the opinion that
the Audiencia should again be established; for this country is not even
in a state to be able to bear such a burden, as it is so ill provided,
as I have said, and so borne down with troubles and even with war.

Likewise another difficulty is presented, as the treasury is always
straitened; and, on account of the great care which the auditors take
to collect their salaries, as it cannot be so prompt as they would
wish, they seek borrowed money from the citizens--who give it to
them, willingly or unwillingly, each one according to his means or
designs. From this follow difficulties, to which they pay no heed;
as some of them demand these loa