The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 09 of 55: 1593-1597; 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 09 of 55: 1593-1597; 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
What I have thought fit to submit particularly to your Majesty are the
injuries, hindrances, contradictions, and great disturbances which are
experienced here, whence follow results very offensive and contrary
to the service of God our Lord, and of your Majesty. They are also
prejudicial to the common spiritual and temporal good of this land,
and the quiet, safety, and preservation of these districts and islands,
and of the vassals who live and serve your Majesty here. One (and
a general) injury is the unrestricted presence of a great number
of Sangleys or Chinese heathen who live and mingle freely with
us and the natives of these islands in their trading occupations,
and business. They serve but to consume, make scarce, and enhance
the price of both supplies and money, and to cause uneasiness,
fears, and distrust. Of all the aforesaid we have had experience,
and the particular instances are not referred to, in order to avoid
prolixity. On occasions when there are expeditions, or when it may
be expedient to make them, there are some persons who do not desire
to do so--either for their own interests or convenience, or for
other considerations, ends, and motives which they have for opposing
the accomplishment of the expedition. They say that there are many
Sangleys in the land who are inclined or are able to revolt. This and
other things they say in excuse; but although this consideration and
caution should not be condemned but praised, together with everything
else which may be classed under the name and title of preservation, I
doubt whether they are always most advantageous to the service of God
and of your Majesty. I am only certain that it is of great importance
to be rid of these disturbances and contradictions, which are contrary
to all good. These heathen are the whole year living on, and, little
by little, consuming and obtaining, the goods and money of the state
in their traffic, business, and occupations. This does not take into
account the sale and profitable trade in merchandise which takes place
every year. All the money goes and passes to China, and remains there
from year to year and in fact always. Although it is true that the
profitable trade and sale of merchandise is the sinew and support
of this state, and very necessary, and cannot nor should be checked,
nevertheless, it would at least be fitting for the Christians to gain
what is gained by the heathen from year to year in these islands and
state, in their damaging trades and occupations. Thus would a great
part of the poverty and necessity of the Christians be done away with,
and they would be relieved, maintained, and aided. They could live
more comfortably, and there would be avoided the inconveniences of
discontent, murmuring, and offense, which exist when the people see
themselves so little favored, helped, and appreciated. They become
discouraged with the condition of affairs when they see that the
heathen are much more favored and treated more kindly by us than they
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