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
5. _That a protector of the Indians, with a salary, be appointed,
who shall not be the royal fiscal._ Fifth: A protector of the Indians
should be appointed, a Christian man, and with authority to defend
them, and prosecute their suits. In order to avoid the losses and
expenses generally caused to the Indians by protectors, because of
their being common men, he should have a good salary; and the royal
fiscal should not be the protector, because in his duties more cases
against the Indians than in their defense necessarily arise, and he
cannot neglect to prosecute them. Therefore it is advisable that the
two offices be not merged in one person; and that the said protector
be authorized to prosecute, even to the deprivation of encomiendas or
other penalties, pecuniary or personal; that he have a voice and vote
in the cabildo, both actively and passively; that he take precedence
of the regidors and alguazil-mayor, and sit with the advocates and
not with the prosecutors; that he be not an encomendero, and that the
alcaicería [i.e., silk-market], and the care of the Chinese residing
in Manila, be annexed to his office.
Chapter sixth. Of matters pertaining to the soldiers
1. _The serious troubles and annoyances which result from the soldiers
not being paid._ First: His Majesty should be informed that the
country is not settled or pacified, because it is poorly governed
and has so small a military force. There is lack of men, and even
the few that we have serve with no pay or means of gain, but with
many hardships and dangers, and in extreme poverty and desolation,
and worse than captivity, since they are forced to service without any
pay or support. From this ensue many evils. The first is, that they do
nothing, and they cannot and even will not do anything voluntarily; and
in this alone they are lacking in natural loyalty and fidelity to their
king. Second: They go--poor, despised, disgraced, sick, and needy--to
serve masters who are often mean, and persons who, although just to
others, sometimes give these men no compensation. With such hardships,
sorrows, and famine, and but few delicacies or provisions for their
illnesses, many of them die, and that in great wretchedness. Third:
They try to escape, as often as they can--now to Macan or to Malaca,
sometimes to Maluco, but most commonly to Nueva España--under a
thousand pretexts and excuses of being married, or sick, or bound to
religion, and others. Fourth: On this account, the country has so bad a
reputation in Mexico and in the other countries whence they might come,
that no one of worth comes, but only very mean and worthless beggars,
and destitute, shiftless, and useless fellows; and it would matter
very little, and would even be better, if they did not come. Fifth:
It is a pitiable thing to see men of rank and quality, and gentlemen,
who have come for private opportunities and objects, poor, ill-clad,
without shelter, service, or food, and needy, enduring great hunger
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