“El Rey. Don Juan del Corral Calvo de la Torre, oidor de mi Audiencia del reino de Chile. En carta de 1º de marzo del año próximo pasado, dais cuenta del método que habéis observado en la ejecución de los comentos y exposiciones de las leyes de las Indias, teniendo ya acabados dos tomos, y el primero remitido a Lima, y para enviar el segundo; y habiéndose visto en mi consejo de las Indias, con lo expuesto por su fiscal, se ha considerado que la aprobación que pedís de esta obra, como el que sea su impresión de cuenta de mi real hacienda, se debe suspender por ahora hasta tanto que se vea y reconozca, en cuyo caso, y siendo digna de darse a la prensa, se podrá ejecutar en España, para cuyo efecto la podréis ir remitiendo en las ocasiones que se ofrecieren. De Madrid a 25 de mayo de 1726. Yo el Rey.” [Sidenote: _Estado político del reino del Perú_] A subject similar to Escalona’s is treated in an anonymous publication of ninety-two folio pages entitled _Estado político del reino del Perú_; but the treatment is of a very different character, and it is written with a very different purpose. Escalona aimed to set forth a comprehensive and impartial view of the political structure, and to describe it as it was defined by law. The _Estado político_, on the other hand, is designedly critical, as may be inferred from certain phrases from the long sub-title, such as “government without laws, officials without industry, treasures without poverty, fertility without cultivation, wisdom without esteem, militia without honour, cities without patriotism, and justice without a temple.” After these and other similar phrases, the author ends his title-page with the remark that “these attributes constitute a grave detriment to this kingdom, and as a remedy two expedients are proposed to his Majesty by a loyal vassal who writes them, solely moved by a true love of his prince and natural Lord, and for the greater good of the kingdom of Peru and of his Patria Lima.” The first of these expedients was a reform in the militia, or the military affairs of the kingdom; the second was a reform in the commercial affairs.[197] [Sidenote: The _Memorias_ by the viceroys] The formal treaties on government and law are supplemented by a number of public documents that have been printed. Important among these are the _Memorias_ and _Relaciones_ delivered by the viceroys to their successors. They present contemporary accounts of public affairs, the actual state of the government, recent changes, and projects for future modifications.[198] IV [Sidenote: Escobedo y Alarcón] [Sidenote: Escobedo’s official positions]