y
it. In short, they always demand their tributes in those things which
are scarce, by reason of which, for the tribute worth eight reals,
some collect fifteen, and others twenty, twenty-five, thirty, and
more, according to the value of those things that are demanded. They
cause the Indians to seek them and bring them from other parts, to
their great vexation and affliction. It is advisable to check this
lawlessness and excess. Therefore I charge you to ordain that, in
the payment of the said tributes, the order referred to in section
six of these instructions shall be observed. That section treats
of the Indians being allowed to pay their tributes in coin, gold,
or products, as they may choose.

51. Another section of the said memorial also pointed out that,
although certain Spaniards of tender conscience have freed their
slaves, native to the said islands, in fulfilment of the provision
of my decrees, many others have retained them, and do not allow
them to have houses of their own, or to live on their own land under
the ordinary instruction. It is advisable to remedy this also; and
I therefore commit it to you, and order you that, immediately upon
your arrival at the said islands, you shall set at liberty all those
Indians held as slaves by the Spaniards.

52. I am informed that the said Indians have suffered many grievances
and burdens from all the ministers of justice, because the latter
have incited many suits, not only of cases after the country was
discovered, but of others that had happened in its pagan days,
among both the living and their forefathers, and both civil and
criminal cases. These are not summary, but have all the terms,
demands, preliminary hearings, and reviews, which can be found in any
chancilleria of these kingdoms. In these the Indians have wasted and
continue to waste their possessions. Although in section twenty-nine
of these instructions, it treats of what you and the bishop have to do
or provide as a remedy for these vexations of suits by Spaniards and
Indians, once more I charge you and recommend you to strive to have
the suits finished and decided promptly and summarily. You must take
note that this will be one of the matters in which I shall consider
myself most faithfully and fully served by you.

53. In regard to the confusion existing, past and present, in the
religious leaving the said islands for the mainland of China and other
places, without permission of the governor or bis