be more easily obtained; and in this case it would be money for those citizens if they would apply themselves to this enterprise, instead of the commerce which they have with the Chinese and other infidels." These papers were, as usual, sent to the fiscal, whose reply came before the Council on January 8, 1735. He disapproves the proposals of Cadiz, since the prices of cinnamon and other commodities are liable to fluctuation, and the amount of profit for Manila would be uncertain and variable; cinnamon is a bulky product, and the necessary amount could not be carried in the galleon now assigned to the Manila trade; the merchants could not be sure of a favorable sale at Acapulco, "which at the fairs is secured by the diversity and abundance of commodities;" moreover, the Dutch, from whom the cinnamon was bought, would raise its price as soon as they should learn that the Spaniards of Filipinas were the only ones to whom was permitted the shipment of spices to America. If the Manila shippers failed to secure the full amount for returns, the royal treasury would not receive as much from customs duties as usual, and must therefore make up the resulting deficiency in the situado sent to the islands. "It would also follow that even if the merchants of España should religiously observe the agreement which they propose, of not trading in that merchandise, the illicit importations into that kingdom [of Nueva España] would be attempted with even greater activity; and as in that country there is so general a use of chocolate, in the manufacture of which would be consumed the greater part of the cinnamon, all that extensive kingdom would find itself compelled to buy [cinnamon] at one port only, and through one agency--being always exposed [to the danger] that in a year when the Philipinas ship could not make the voyage (as has happened), or encountered mishaps through accidents which might occur, that country would experience the deprivation of this article of sustenance, or at least a great scarcity in a commodity so generally used, as is well known." The fiscal also reminds the Council that the trade in spices may be shared with the Royal Company of England, which is "authorized to trade, in its annual ship, in the goods which it shall choose, in which it could include the cinnamon, and through this agency introduce it into Mexico; in this it would seriously injure the commerce of Manila during all the time which remains for the fulfilment of this agreement, and would be opposed to the freedom of his Majesty in proroguing it, or making it anew with some other power. Such action could not be hindered by the commerce of España, and as little by the Royal Company of Cadiz, founded by his Majesty on March 29, 1733, which could introduce this commodity into Mexico." The fiscal recommends that a junta be convened in Mexico to discuss this subject, and give their opinions and advice thereon to the Council; and that Manila and Cadiz be invited to send