The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 10 of 55: 1597-1599; 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
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 10 of 55: 1597-1599; 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 10 of 55: 1597-1599; 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
An interesting complement to Morga's report--all the more so because
it is apparently written by an ecclesiastic--is found in a document
unsigned and undated (but probably of 1598) which enumerates the
reforms needed in the islands. The writer advises that the usual
inspection of encomenderos and officials be made by the prelates
of the church, rather than, as hitherto, by laymen appointed by
the governor. He urges that fewer offices be provided, and that
each should have more extensive jurisdiction. The present system
is a heavy and increasing burden on the wretched Indians, who are
in danger of perishing; and causes much unnecessary waste to the
royal exchequer. The city should establish a storehouse, where rice
and other supplies should be kept in store for times of need. Thus
the natives would not be harassed, often at most unseasonable times,
to supply provisions for the Spaniards; both peoples can be aided in
times of famine, and prices can be better regulated. More care should
be used in selecting men to collect the tributes from the Indians;
and their appointment, as well as that of the lay protector of the
Indians, should be approved by the archbishop. The Indians who are
engaged in various labors for the Spaniards are often kept waiting
a long time for their pay, or even cheated out of it; when such pay
is due them, it should be sent to them promptly and safely. Rewards
should be given to deserving soldiers; and the troops should no longer
be recruited with exiles and criminals. The troops should be paid
more liberally and punctually; and one meal a day should be given to
the poor Spaniards, whether soldiers or not. The soldiers, moreover,
should be paid from the time of their arrival; for, as it is, they must
serve long without pay, which causes great suffering and immorality
among them. Half of the advance pay now given them in Mexico should be
held back until their arrival at Cavite. The desirability of aiding
needy Spaniards is again urged, and this charity should be placed in
charge of the Confraternity of La Misericordia. The seminary of Sancta
Potenciana is well conducted, and a most important work; it should
be further aided, and now needs that some order of professed nuns
be represented in it. Again the writer urges that the vessels plying
between the islands and Nueva España be commanded by inhabitants of
the Philippines, in order to correct the abuses now prevalent.
Upon the arrival of the ships from Nueva España, bringing the members
of the reestablished Audiencia, the royal seal, which represents
the authority and person of the king, is received by the governor
(June 8, 1598) with great solemnity and pomp, and deposited in the
royal building; the official record of this proceeding, with the
oaths taken by the new governor, is here presented.
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