much difficulty--much less will they
be able to support the soldiers. They concluded that your Majesty
is not obliged to use your royal patrimony for this and the other
expenses, but that those for whose benefit they are incurred (for which
purpose the Spaniards are here) must bear the cost. Accordingly, if
the tribute they give does not suffice for all the expenses necessary
in order that they may have suitable instruction and may be protected,
they, and not your Majesty, must bear these--as St. Paul says, and as
the divine law commands. For this reason the governor wished to add
the two reals before mentioned, and there was no lack of agreement
in this opinion among the fathers and clergy. To me also it seems
that, considering the divine law, these people are obliged to pay
all the expenses. But considering the poverty of the common people,
that perhaps the tribute they give might suffice, for all that is
necessary--if it were well apportioned--and for other reasons that make
the project doubtful, I have ventured to give the opinion that nothing
should be added to the tribute which the Indians now give, until your
Majesty can be informed and can order what action should be taken.

In these islands there are many soldiers who were married in Mexico,
Espana, and other countries. Many of them left their wives twenty-five,
others ten, fifteen, or twenty years ago; and others, more or less. I
have done my best to induce them to go to live with their wives, or
to bring them here, but it has been of no avail. Will your Majesty
please order that your decree in this matter be observed, for this
is not done--nor do the governors try to observe it, saying that the
soldiers are needed here; and thus they spend so many years, breaking
the law of God and that of holy matrimony. I beg your Majesty, if it
please you, to provide a remedy for this; for, if your Majesty does
not order it, there will be no one here who can send them hence.

The thing most necessary for the protection of these Indians until
they shall better understand our ways is, that there should be
a protector who should look after them and defend them from the
innumerable injuries that are inflicted upon them. The governor has
named one who, it appears to me, does this well, and with care and
diligence. But as his appointment is temporary, he dare not exercise
his office with as much freedom as if he were appointed by your
Majesty. I beseech your Majesty to order t