the
latter carry but small cargoes, owing to the unusual lack of Chinese
goods in Manila this year. The citizens desire to send a committee of
their number to Mexico to conduct their trade, in order to thwart the
supposed unfriendly schemes of the Mexican merchants; but the governor
deprecates this proceeding, as dangerous to the best interests of the
islands. It is favored by an old royal decree, which he is putting
into execution; but he considers this so inexpedient that he asks
the royal Council to decide the case. He deprecates the forced loans
that the governors make from the inhabitants, and urges that this be
prevented by having more aid sent from Nueva Espana. The governor is
endeavoring to have ships built in India, Camboja, and Cochinchina,
to relieve the islands from this burden; he has a prospect of success
in these efforts. The king of Siam who withheld the property of
Spaniards is dead; and his son, in fear of Spanish arms, seeks
friendly relations with Manila. Tavora has endeavored to restore
trade with Japan, and has sent an embassy thither to make amends for
burning the Japanese junk off Siam. Regarding that affair, a sharp
controversy has arisen between Manila and Macan, which is referred
to the home government. Don Fernando de Silva has left the islands,
not without certain difficulties concerning bonds for his residencia,
involving the governor's right of jurisdiction--which Tavora settles
by the decision of common sense. The bridge across the Pasig is nearly
completed, and the cost of it has been met from the general fund of the
Chinese residents, as has also the support of the hospital for their
use. On the arrival of the ships from Nueva Espana, the governor is
disappointed at receiving so little from the viceroy, and implores
the king for more reliable and permanent aid for the islands. He is
sending artillery to Mexico. To this letter are appended a report of
proceedings in the council convened to discuss relations with Japan,
and various official acts regarding Fernando de Silva's departure
from the islands.

The Jesuit annalist for 1629-30 relates various affairs of war. An
expedition is sent against Jolo; but, their commander being wounded in
an attack, the Spaniards are seized with a panic, and retreat without
accomplishing much. The Malays of Achen attack Malacca, and besiege it
during four months; then help arrives opportunely, in an expedition
headed by the viceroy of India. The enemy a