97-105. [This memorial, with like protests from the cities of Toledo, Ezija, and Murcia, was sent to the fiscal, who on March 16, 1724, handed in his opinion on the question at issue--that is, whether the decree of 1720 should be changed or enforced. He lays down three propositions: First, that the trade in Chinese stuffs should not be prohibited to the citizens of Filipinas, since it is necessary to their maintenance, those islands having no profitable mines or commercial products; moreover, the introduction and propagation of the Catholic faith therein is an obligation of justice as well as of religious zeal, and was so recognized by Felipe II, when he refused to abandon Filipinas; and to fulfil this obligation the Spanish colony there should be sustained. For this purpose the trade with Nueva España had been granted to Manila, to such extent as should be necessary for its preservation, that is, to the amount of 250,000 pesos, and 500,000 in returns; and in the permission given to Manila to trade with China there had been, and should be, no restriction as to the woven silks of that country. Second, this trade ought, nevertheless, to be strictly confined to the amount of their permission, and all frauds to be prevented; for the complaints of Spanish producers and merchants had been caused by the frauds and abuses in the Manila trade, rather than by the mere fact of its including Chinese goods; the fiscal even suggests that they have an official representative at Acapulco to aid in the unlading and inspection of the Manila galleon, and report thereon to the viceroy, which would aid in preventing frauds and enable the Spanish merchants to discuss the question more intelligently. Third, that in case the trade in Chinese silks be prohibited to Manila, that in spices should be absolutely prohibited to the Spanish merchants and given exclusively to those of Filipinas; while the American trade in silks should be free to the Spaniards.] 106-111. [The Council considered this question on April 6, and decided that the decree of 1720 should be changed; they recommended that the Filipinas trade be continued as before the decree, and employing but one large galleon; that the decree of 1702 should be enforced, save that the goods should be valued not by actual inspection of the bales but by invoices presented by the shippers, with their sworn statements that the goods were their own; nor should any indult, payment of double duties, or other form of composition be tolerated; and that the royal officials at Manila, Cavite, Acapulco, and Mexico should be held responsible for the fulfilment of these regulations, under severe penalties. This proceeding was approved by the king, who issued despatches in accordance therewith (June 17, 1724) to the viceroy of Nueva España and other officials concerned therein; and on August 8 the merchants of Cadiz were invited to nominate a deputy to watch the Acapulco commerce.] PERIOD VIII