The alcaldes were governors and judges, commanders of the troops, and at the same time the only traders in their respective provinces. [138] They bought in Manila the goods that were needed in their provinces--usually with the money of the charities [_obras pias_] (see p. 14, note 17); [139] for they themselves came to the Philippines without any property. The Indians were compelled to sell their products to the alcalde, and to buy his wares at the prices which the latter established. [140] In such circumstances, the priests were the only ones who protected the Indians against these bloodsuckers, when they did not (as sometimes happened) also make common cause with the alcaldes. At present the government sends men who know the law to act as alcaldes in the Philippines, who are somewhat better paid and are not allowed to trade. On the whole, the government is endeavoring to lessen the influence of the curas, in order to strengthen the civil authorities; but that will be only very imperfectly accomplished, however, unless the tenure of office of the alcaldes be lengthened, and the office be so assigned that the alcaldes will have no temptation to make money on the side. [141] THE AUGUSTINIAN RECOLLECTS IN THE PHILIPPINES [The following is translated and condensed from _Provincia de San Nicolas de Tolentino de Agustinos descalzos de la congregacion de Espana e Indias_ (Manila, 1879).] Archbishopric of Manila In this archbishopric the Recollect fathers have charges in the provinces of Manila, Cavite, Laguna, the district of Morong, Bataan, Pampanga, Zambales, and Mindoro. [In the province of Manila, they have (1878) charges in the following villages: La Hermita, with 1,767 1/2 tributes, and 6,747 souls; Las-Pinas, with 1,149 1/2 tributes, and 4,771 souls; and Caloocan, with 2,166 tributes, and 7,511 souls.] District of Morong This district, which is governed by a political and military commander (who is at the same time administrator of the public funds), takes its name from its capital village, which is located on the shore of the lake of Bay. This district was created in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three. The villages of this district which are located on the lake are under the care of Franciscan fathers; Angono, Cainta, Jalajala, and Bosoboso of seculars; and we ourselves possess the two following. [These are the villages of Antipolo, with 1,074 tributes, and 3,547 souls; and Taytay, with 2,479 tributes, and 8,435 souls.] Province of Bataan This province is located in the island of Luzon, and is bounded on the north by the provinces of Pampanga and Zambales, on the east by the bay of Manila, and on the south and west by the sea of China. It is governed by an alcalde, and is in charge of the Dominican fathers, with the exception of Mariveles, Bagac, and Morong, which are in charge of the Recollect fathers.