The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 06 of 55: 1583-1588; Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Close of the Nineteenth Century
History
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 06 of 55: 1583-1588; Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Close of the Nineteenth Century
Demarcation line of Alexander VI; Missions -- Philippines; Philippines -- Discovery and exploration; Philippines -- History -- Sources
The great need in this country of giving your Majesty an account of the
many matters here that demand reform (and without it are on their way
to evident ruin), and further of the affairs of the realm of China,
seems at this juncture to make it indispensable that the people of
this country should send to your Majesty Father Alonso Sanchez, of
the Society, a person of very holy life, much learning, prudence,
and excellent judgment, and such a one as is well fitted to go to
discuss with your Majesty the affairs which have been placed in his
charge. Many of them, if the father did not go, would compel me to
write to your Majesty for their amendment; but, as he is being sent,
I shall let them go, referring you to all that the said father may
relate. I only beg that at this time, when the opportunity is so good,
and within the lifetime of your Majesty, an entrance may be made
into these Chinese realms, and they and the neighboring countries
be brought to the knowledge of the holy Catholic faith, and to the
service and dominion of your Majesty.
The affairs of this Audiencia are, through the goodness of God, in
order and peace at present--although in times past it has not been so,
for there was some contention between your president and auditors,
over filling certain offices of the Audiencia. The appointments
to them belonged, it seems, according to your royal laws, to the
Audiencia. There was a question as to whether the president was to
confirm the appointments made by him as governor, in your royal name,
by Don Phelipe, and with your royal seal. It seems that this is quite
to the disadvantage of the Audiencia. For, if the office of governor
resided in another than the president, the offices of the Audiencia
would not be provided for therein, except the president and auditors;
nor would they be confirmed by Don Phelipe or with your royal seal,
since this belongs to the Audiencia alone. As soon as it was seen
that this was being done, there was hard feeling; but nevertheless,
to avoid wrangling, a compromise was settled upon--which, if it be
your Majesty's pleasure, you may order to be examined, as it is sent
with the documents relating to the foregoing controversy. By these
your Majesty will see how much your president was at fault, and the
chance the Audiencia gave for your Majesty's interests to suffer, if
there were any disturbance. Everything was done very circumspectly,
to avoid the injury that might result, from some other source, to
this commonwealth and realm. Accordingly we drew up, by agreement,
an act which your fiscal sent with the other papers; and since then
we have had no difficulties, but on the contrary, cordial relations
have been maintained in so far as the public is concerned. It appears,
however, that this is not so in secret; for I was yesterday informed
that your president was sending depositions and information against
your auditors, reviewing our entire lives, to your Majesty. I beseech
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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