aving come by land)
that what he says in regard to this matter, and the way in which this
commerce is looked upon there, may be known. He concludes by explaining
how well it suits his Majesty's service, and how advantageous it is
to both Castilla and Portugal, to prohibit this commerce in such a
way that all the ports shall be closed to it.

+

[_Instructions_: "On the new commerce of the Western Yndias, with
China. His Majesty orders that this shall be examined in the Council
of the Indias. The Council shall then advise him of their opinion,
so that his Majesty can determine what measures must be taken, before
the sailing of the ships. Pardo, March 3, 1590."] [32]

Decree Ordering a Grant to Salazar

Sire:

From information received _de officio_ in the royal Audiencia of the
city of Manila, of the Philipinas Islands, and from the opinion of
the said Audiencia, it has been evident that, upon the arrival of
the bishop [Salazar] in the islands, all the houses were built of
wood and bamboo, and thatched with straw. As he saw that they were
burned frequently, and especially in the year eighty-three, when, in
but one fire, the city was nearly all destroyed including, with the
property of the citizens, the cathedral church, monastery, hospital,
fort, supplies, and artillery; seeing also the constant danger from
fire and from the natives of whom there was great fear, the said
bishop exerted himself to aid the citizens and soldiers with three
thousand pesos of his own and others' money, dividing this sum among
all of them, in order that they might rebuild their houses. By this
means he relieved their extreme necessity, and afterward endeavored
to persuade the governor and city to have the buildings constructed
of stone and roofed with tile; and although everyone placed decided
obstacles in the way, he set about this himself, and put great effort
into it, even to the seeking and opening of quarries, and procuring
the making of mortar and roof-tiles. Through his diligence, the result
was obtained and great increase followed therefrom to the said city,
for he built houses with the utmost toil and expense. Thereupon many
of the citizens began to do the same, and the city has been made
safe and fortified. Now, a fort, hospital, church, and monasteries
are being built--all of stone. In addition to the above, when he
went to those islands, he took altar-pieces, ornaments, and other
articles of value for the ser