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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 — John Shaqi

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

of the Audiencia; and reports that the country is all pacified,
needing now mainly religious. He praises the plan of educating the
sons of the natives at the Jesuit college. He reports the arrival
of vessels from the unsuccessful exploring expedition of Mendaña
to the islands of the South Pacific. In conclusion, he prays that,
in consideration of his poor health and the death of his children,
he may be permitted to return to Spain.

Tello writes to Felipe II (July 17, 1596) a letter upon his arrival. He
is pleased with Manila, although many public requirements are not
attended to. The Chinese near the city require watching. The archbishop
has remained in Mexico. Trade has fallen off; and soldiers should
be sent yearly to make up for deaths and losses. He recommends the
continuation of the Mindanao pacification at the expense of the
heirs of Figueroa. In a postscript he reports bad news from the
Camboja expedition.

The pacification of Mindanao (begun by Figueroa) is continued by
Juan de Ronquillo. He sends a report (May 10, 1597) of the campaign
to Governor Tello. After a fierce contest with the natives, in which
neither side gains the victory, a treaty of peace is negotiated. Great
distress ensues for lack of food, among both Spaniards and Indians;
and aid from Manila is asked. Mindanao is a poor country, and will be
of very little use to Spain. Ronquillo urges that supplies of troops,
ammunition, and provision be sent from Manila, for the Mindanaos will
certainly rebel as soon as tribute is exacted from them; and it is
best to complete their conquest promptly. The missions in this island
have been assigned to the Jesuits; but only one priest is now there,
and more are needed at once. The encomenderos to whom Mindanao has been
assigned ought to aid in its subjugation, and should be sent at once
with troops to the island. A brief outline of the campaign is added,
unsigned and undated.

A memorial by Hernando de los Rios (June 27, 1597) to the king
of Spain urges the importance of conquering surrounding countries,
notably the island of Formosa. He describes certain routes, more direct
than those hitherto followed, between Spain and the Philippines, and
also complains of the number of Chinese who infest Manila. Luis Perez
Dasmariñas urges on Felipe II (June 28, 1597) the evils resulting from
the presence in the islands of so many heathen Chinese, with their
vices, cunning, and danger to the state. "Except for self-interest,
we are mutually contrary and hateful." He recommends a number of
severe measures limiting their activity, and placing obstacles in the
way of their employment; and adds various notes recommending specific
regulations for them.


_The Editors_
November, 1903.






Documents of 1593

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