189-190. [This memorial may be "reduced to five points: In the first it is proved that, for the preservation of the islands, and the propagation of the Catholic faith in them and in the adjoining regions, their commerce with Nueva España is necessary. In the second, it is declared that for the above result it is necessary that the commerce be carried on and allowed with a capital corresponding to the returns of 1,200,000 pesos every year. In the third, it is made plain that returns to that amount are impossible, if the traffic in the silken fabrics and goods from China, and their transportation, are prohibited to the merchants of Manila. In the fourth, it is demonstrated that no value should be attached to the exaggerated statement that damages will ensue to the commerce of España if that of Manila be allowed to embark and convey silk fabrics to Acapulco. In the fifth, it is explained how desirable is the continuation of the last regulation of the commerce, granted to the islands in the year 1726; and the advantages which result from that ordinance, notwithstanding the representations made by the viceroy." This memorial presents a brief résumé of the various royal orders and decrees and the principal events connected with the Manila-Acapulco commerce during its history, from 1587 to 1726; another, of the investigations made by the viceroy of Mexico regarding the galleon of 1731; and another, of the proceedings of the junta which he called together for discussion of the measures to be taken regarding the galleon of 1734. Then the above five points are considered seriatim, and at considerable length--mainly by restating and enforcing the arguments formerly employed, rather than by adducing new ones. In section i, the king is reminded that the islands serve as a safeguard and defense to Nueva España, and have kept the foreigners, infidels, and pagans of the East from getting a foothold therein by way of the Pacific coast; and it closes thus: "Thus, Sire, if this commerce ceases--the only foundation on which rests the maintenance of these islands--the Spaniards will abandon them; without their protection, the [religious] ministers will be persecuted to the utmost; the works of piety and charity in which the holy house of La Misericordia and the other foundations in Manila distribute enormous sums will cease; the religious orders will be reduced to uselessness; those villages will be desolated, by which your Majesty will lose many vassals; the foreigners and infidels adjoining those countries will make themselves masters of the islands; and (which is most cause for grief), when the fortunate advancement of our religion which has been secured there ceases, those who had embraced the faith will go to seek their living in the lands of the pagans, with evident risk of relapsing into the errors which they had detested. These dangers are worthy of the profound consideration of your Majesty, and cannot be averted if the