[_In the margin_: "Let it be answered that his letter is received, and have him thanked for his zealous interest and care in all that he mentions. Respecting what he says of abolishing the Audiencia, suitable measures have been taken, and for the present nothing will be done in regard to it. As to the general statements made in his report, in regard to the trade and traffic which he speaks of and the proceedings of the Audiencia, let him give particular information of what auditor or officer is trading in this way, and whatever is worthy of correction--so that, having considered it in the Council, fitting measures may be taken."] [_Endorsed_: "Manila, to his Majesty; 1604. Don Pedro de Acuna, on the fifteenth of July, concerning the inexpediency of having an Audiencia in the Philipinas. July 20, 1606, examined and decreed within."] Reasons why there should be no Audiencia in the Filipinas Islands, and why the one there should be abolished. In all the islands there are not more than twelve hundred Spaniards; and the suits are so few that for the greater part of the year the Audiencia has nothing to do, and there is no business to be despatched therein, and the auditors are dismissed after having passed judgment on a few petitions from Indians--and sometimes not even these, because none are presented. The administrative session is just the same, and most of the time only exists in name. There are no cases here of importance which cannot be adjudged by the alcaldes-in-ordinary; and if we had a lawyer for a lieutenant-governor, as we used to have before the said Audiencia was established, that is sufficient for business--which would be despatched with less difficulty, and without the Audiencia being missed; for when there is any suit of importance, which seldom happens, appeal can be made to the Audiencia of Mexico, as was formerly done. It must be taken into consideration that each auditor or fiscal brings with him, his household, wife, children, and relatives, who are drawn by the idea of coming to the Yndias, and has other creatures and connections; and for one and all of them he must procure aid and favor so that they may become rich; for this is the aim and intention with which they come here. Accordingly, although your Majesty has commanded that the livings and offices of these islands be given to the old citizens and those deserving of these rewards, the auditors and their wives bring it about that the said relatives, dependents, and other persons whom they bring with them are the first to be provided for. If the governors do not consent to this, the auditors dislike them, and seek means and expedients whereby the worthy persons to whom the said offices and livings are given shall not be received therein. Accordingly the governors, in order not to displease the auditors, give up their claims and dare not insist upon them.