Spain and Her Colonies, Compiled from the Best Authorities
History
Spain and Her Colonies, Compiled from the Best Authorities
Spain -- History
In the most remote and unexplored parts of the islands, the governor was
to have unlimited powers to act as he should please, without consulting
his majesty; but projected enterprises of conversion, pacification,
etc., at the expense of the royal treasury, were to be submitted to a
council, comprising the bishop, the captains, etc. The governor was
authorized to capitulate and agree with the captains and others who
might care to undertake conversions and pacifications on their own
account, and to concede the title of Maestre de Campo to such persons,
on condition that such capitulations should be forwarded to his majesty
for ratification.
Only those persons domiciled in the islands would be permitted to trade
with them.
A sum of one thousand dollars was to be taken from the tributes paid
into the royal treasury for the foundation of the hospital for the
Spaniards, and the annual sum of six hundred dollars, appropriated by
the governor for its support, was confirmed. Moreover, the royal
treasury of Mexico was to send clothing to the value of four hundred
ducats for the hospital use.
The hospital for the natives was to receive an annual donation of six
hundred dollars for its support, and an immediate supply of clothing
from Mexico to the value of two hundred dollars.
Slaves held by Spaniards were to be immediately set at liberty. No
native was thenceforth to be enslaved. All new-born natives were
declared free. The bondage of all existing slaves from ten years of age
was to cease on their attaining twenty years of age. Those above twenty
years of age were to serve five years longer, and then become free. At
any time, notwithstanding the foregoing conditions, they would be
entitled to purchase their liberty, the price of which was to be
determined by the governor and the bishop.[12]
There being no tithes payable to the church by Spaniards or natives, the
clergy were to receive for their maintenance the half real above
mentioned in lieu thereof, from the tribute paid by each native
subjected to the crown. When the Spaniards should have crops, they were
to pay tithes to the clergy.
A grant was made of twelve thousand ducats for the building and
ornaments of the Cathedral, and an immediate advance of two thousand
ducats, on account of this grant, was made from the funds to be remitted
from Mexico.
Forty Austin friars were to be sent at once to the Philippines, to be
followed by missionaries from other corporations. The king allowed five
hundred dollars to be paid against the one thousand dollars’ passage
money for each priest, the balance to be defrayed out of the common
funds of the clergy, derived from their share of the tribute.
Missionaries in great numbers had already flocked to the Philippines and
roamed wherever they thought fit, without license from the bishop, whose
authority they utterly repudiated.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account