hina; and there are rumors that it is being diverted
to Peru or Nueva Espana. If this be true, the Philippine colony will
be ruined. A second plot against the Spaniards has been revealed,
this time in Cebu; but the leaders have been captured. The Indians
of Cagayan have also revolted, and troops have been sent against
them. Ayala adds, "I am ready to certify that there are few places
in these islands where the natives are not disaffected." The Spanish
colony is in great danger, and imperatively needs reenforcements to
save it from destruction. The galleys at Manila, now useless, should
be replaced by light sailing-vessels. A further levy of tribute has
been made on the Indians for the new fortress at Manila: this is an
oppressive burden for them. Ayala relates at length the dissensions
between the bishop and the secular authorities; the king is implored
to settle the question at issue. The bishop has also offended the
Augustinians, by sending Dominican friars into their field among the
Chinese residents: The king is asked to send more friars, to instruct
the natives. The Manila hospital for Indians has no income save of
alms: Ayala recommends that the Franciscans in charge be allowed to
sell a certain amount of pepper in Nueva Espana. The members of the
Audiencia, and the magistrates and officials appointed during the
current year are enumerated by name. A fierce tempest has occurred
at Manila, causing great damage, and destroying all the vessels in
the harbor except one small one. The expedition sent to Cagayan has
returned without accomplishing anything except the destruction of the
crops belonging to the hostile Indians, which will only irritate them
and incite them to revenge.

A royal decree (dated August 9, 1589) orders the newly appointed
governor of the Philippines, Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, to repeal the
import duties levied at Manila on provisions and military supplies,
also to suppress the retail trade conducted there by the Chinese.

As a result of Sanchez's embassy to Spain, the king and his counselors
decide to institute many reforms in the Philippines, and to send
thither a royal governor in place of the Audiencia. For this dignity
is selected Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, and the king's instructions to
him (dated August 9, 1589) embody the changes to be made in the
government and life of the colony. The cathedral at Manila is to
be built, for which purpose the king appropriates the sum of twelve
thousand ducad