The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 18 of 55: 1617-1620; 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 18 of 55: 1617-1620; 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
To the governor's letter are appended several others, which concern
Malucan affairs. Manuel Ribeyra, a Jesuit, states that the governor
there, Gaviria, has fortified the Spanish posts in his care, which are
in unusually good condition; certain supplies, however, are needed for
them, as also a better class of subaltern officers. Gaviria is somewhat
overbearing in disposition, but Ribeyra commends his ability. That
officer himself writes to Fajardo, explaining why he cannot at
present fill the governor's order for a quantity of cloves. The
Dutch and English are contending with each other in the Moluccas;
and the former, it is said, are intending to attack the Spanish forts
there soon. Gaviria has but few men, and some of these are unfit for
duty. He needs a few galleys, as he has "only one rotten galliot";
also troops, money, and clothing. Gaviria thinks that the Dutch are
being to some extent supplanted by the English; and that the latter
will gladly unite with the Spaniards against the common enemy. He
recommends the abandonment of the Spanish posts in Gilolo. A letter
from the king of Tidore accompanies Gaviria's letter, in which that
ruler demands that Fajardo succor the Spanish forts promptly.
Letters from the king to Fajardo (December 19, 1618) give him orders
regarding certain matters in the administration of the Philippine
government. Offices shall be given to these citizens of the islands
who deserve rewards for meritorious services. The alarming expenses of
the Maluco establishment are not counterbalanced by any returns from
the spice-trade there, and it is openly declared that the Spanish
officials have embezzled what profits might have accrued therefrom
to the royal treasury. Fajardo is therefore ordered to investigate
this matter and punish those who may be guilty; and to take charge,
for the present, of the conduct of the clove-trade at Ternate. The
force of men there should be reduced, if practicable; and certain forts
in Maluco should be abandoned. In these and other ways expenses must
be reduced. The governor and the archbishop must warn the religious
orders to cease their exactions upon the Indians. A separate letter
warns the governor that expenses must be reduced to the utmost; and
that he must maintain the colony on its own revenues, without aid
from the government. He is advised to endeavor to open and work the
mines in the islands; but in doing so he must not molest or injure the
Indians. He should endeavor to enlist their aid in this undertaking,
and the missionaries should use their influence with the natives.
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