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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 11 of 55: 1599-1602; 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 11 of 55: 1599-1602; 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

Governor Tello is superseded by Pedro de Acuña, and the latter is
provided with instructions (February 16, 1602) by the king. He must
consult with the viceroy of Nueva España regarding the measures
to be taken for the settlement of the islands; and the viceroy has
been ordered to aid the governor therein. Acuña is directed to look
after the defense of the coasts, and the maintenance of a garrison
in Mindanao. He must do what he can to dispense with offices and
salaries which are superfluous, for which the king makes various
recommendations. The frauds which have been committed in the shipment
of goods to Nueva España, and in the payment of duties thereon, must
be stopped. Irregularities and frauds in the assignment of encomiendas
must also cease. These and various other matters are discussed by the
king, in pursuance of the recommendations made by the royal fiscal
in July, 1599. Official inspection of affairs in the islands must
be made by the auditors; and the royal officials must put a stop to
the importation from America of money for investment in the China
trade. The cathedral at Manila must be completed, and the hospitals
aided; and nuns will be sent for Santa Potenciana. The Jesuit seminary
for Indian boys should be cared for; and Acuña is to ascertain its
condition and needs. He must investigate the question of abolishing
the Parian, and see that religious teachers are provided for the
natives of the Ladrones Islands. Agriculture must be encouraged in
the Philippines. Two royal decrees (dated February 16) command the
viceroy of Nueva España to send to the Philippines more colonists,
who shall be persons of good character; and two nuns, to take charge
of the seminary of Santa Potenciana at Manila. Captain Gallinato
sends to the governor at Manila (June 4, 1602) warning of a large
plundering expedition which is about to sail from Mindanao to ravage
the Pintados Islands. The Joloans are also hostile, and ready to attack
the Spaniards; and the natives of Terrenate are aiding the Mindanaos.

Luis de Dasmariñas writes to Felipe III (June 8, 1602), urging that the
Spaniards reconquer the fortress of Maluco, to protect the Philippines
from attack by "those demons of English and Dutch heretics." Doctor
de Morga again informs the king (June 30) of his services in the
conflict with Van Noordt, and in still another letter (July 8) of
the attacks which his enemies are making upon him in regard to that
affair. The Augustinian officials at Manila notify the king (July 4)
of the election of Pedro Arce as provincial of their order in the
islands; and explain their refusal to receive a visitor recently sent
to the islands from Nueva España. A letter from the fiscal details
(July 10) the measures taken to compel payment by Governor Tello of
the debts owed by him in Sevilla; he has property in Nueva España,
but none in the islands.

_The Editors_

December, 1903.





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