ot
selling the offices, as former governors have tried to do, you shall
look to it carefully, and favor and reward the citizens.

29. Further, it was proposed also that, as far as the natural fitness
of the land and the settlements of the Indians permitted, it would be
advisable to order that encomiendas of not less than eight hundred
or one thousand Indians be granted, for there are tithes for the
instruction, and the other expenses of maintenance, which small
encomiendas cannot bear; and that those who have but few Indians
be allowed to transfer or sell them at their pleasure to other and
neighboring encomenderos, so that, by this union, the encomiendas may
be larger, and may be able to meet the above expenses. Inasmuch as
all matters pertaining to the sale of encomiendas have been enacted
with great care, and it is not fitting to violate these enactments,
you shall not permit this request. But you shall see to it carefully
that the repartimientos have enough for instruction, and for the
maintenance of the encomenderos. You shall endeavor to establish the
Indians in settlements, which shall have adequate instruction. This
you shall attend to with the most rigorous care and attention.

30. Among the things most wasteful of property, and which
embarrass, and may cause harm in, a country so new, because of
the animosity and quarrels resulting therefrom, are the suits and
controversies engendered among the citizens, and among the Indians
themselves. Although it is my will that complete justice be observed
in each case, I charge you that, in so far as may be possible, and
can be rightly done, you settle the differences and suits which
arise, without having recourse to the technicalities of the law
or proceeding by the ordinary methods, or condemning to pecuniary
fines; but observing throughout the provisions of the decrees that
shall be given you. And in order that all may enjoy the blessings
which must ensue from so mild a government, and may live in ease and
contentment, and without any perturbation in the great undertakings
that, God helping, will be accomplished, I am writing in like tenor
to the bishop of the said islands in regard to what touches their
ecclesiastical service. You shall give him my letter, which shall be
delivered to you, and you shall charge him straitly in my name.

31. I have been informed that there has been and is poor system, and
worse observance and fulfilment of the ordinances, in the colle