he
preference of him who governs or presides is always followed. Madrid,
July 11, 1631." "Let the ordinance be kept."]

In case that your Majesty consider it fitting to have this voyage
made in the aforesaid manner, it will be necessary for the decrees to
come in duplicate for the viceroy of Yndia, so that he may grant free
passage for this ship, and that he may give without any opposition the
wares that will have to be bought on your Majesty's account; and so
that no duties be imposed in Goa, Malaca, or any other part of Yndia,
on what may be registered in your Majesty's name. Order must also be
sent to Cochin, so that if any ship should have to be built there
(as the ships cost less there, and last longer than those of these
islands) all assistance and favor may be extended.

_Point 2 of the letter_

The second point discussed in the council is also essential; and if it
be carried out, it will be the greatest relief to the islands, and will
result in great saving for your Majesty. In the rations of rice (which
is the bread of this country) which are furnished in Cavite and other
parts, more than fifty thousand fanegas are consumed annually. This is
imposed on the Indian natives by assessment or allotment, [4] and is
paid at the rate of a peso per fanega. For the last three years the
Chinese, both infidels and Christians, have devoted their efforts
to sowing rice. Consequently, the country has been well supplied,
as the Chinese are better farmers than the Indians. Many citizens
and the convents of the religious orders have given them the loan
of lands and twenty-five pesos per head, so that they might settle
and equip themselves with the necessary implements for farming the
land. The first year the Chinaman pays this sum, and the following
years gives for every hundred brazas of land fifteen or twenty pesos
rent, which is a like number of fanegas of rice. It has seemed to me
expedient that in certain uncultivated lands that rightly remain in
the name of your Majesty in the best region and lands of the islands
(which is near here, in La Laguna de [Bay], five leguas up the river
from Manila), two pieces of land should be appropriated [for this
purpose]. I am assured that these will be sufficient so that two
thousand Sangleys can be established on them; and that your Majesty
will make the profit which the inhabitants and the religious make,
since you can do so with greater advantage and protection to the
farmers