The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XXIV, 1630-34 | Page 4

the Sangleys.
Early in 1632 several royal orders are despatched to the colony. In a
letter of January 27, the king writes to Tavora on several matters: the
monopoly of the sale of playing-cards, the sale of offices, and the
salary of the acting archbishop. A decree of March 25, addressed to the
municipal authorities of Manila, warns them to enforce the royal
decrees as to the proper consignment and registration of goods sent to
Mexico; and another, issued on the following day, orders that secular
priests from India be not allowed to go to the Philippines.

The usual report of Governor Tavora (July 8, 1632) is in three sections,
the first devoted to general affairs of government. He complains that
the remittances from Nueva España are painfully inadequate for the
needs of the colony and its troops; and that he needs more soldiers than
are sent to the islands. The royal visitor, Rojas, is doing very careful
and thorough work in inspecting the administration of the colony, but is
arrogating to himself too much authority in regard to the expenditure of
public moneys; accordingly, Tavora appeals to the king against some of
Rojas's decisions, and argues for allowing a reasonable amount of
liberty in this matter to the governor and Audiencia. This is especially
necessary because the colony has so many enemies that it must always
be in a state of defense, and its people cannot wait to receive royal
orders when an enemy is at their gates. A controversy between the
royal and the municipal officials regarding their respective rights of
precedence has been duly settled. The relations between Manila and
Japan, lately strained by the capture of a Japanese junk by Spaniards,
are now more friendly, and some trade between the two countries is
being carried on. The Japanese have shipped a number of lepers who
are Christians from that country to Manila; the Spaniards accept this
charge, and make room for the lepers in the hospital for natives. The
king is asked to aid in the expenses of their care. Tavora describes his
relations with the peoples on the opposite mainland; makes
recommendations regarding certain offices; explains the condition of
the vessel which sank at Manila in the preceding year; and defends
himself from accusations of illegal participation in the Mexican trade.
Another section treats of military affairs. Tavora (who writes but a
fortnight before his death) thanks the king for preferment bestowed
upon him, but fears that he will not live to enjoy it; and informs Felipe
of the heavy losses that he has incurred in coming to Filipinas and
acting as governor, asking that some arrangement may be made for the
settlement of his more pressing debts. Trade with the Japanese is being
resumed. The post of general of artillery is superfluous, and should be
abolished. Affairs in Hermosa are prospering; the province of Cagayán
is pacified, and severe punishment has been inflicted on the rebellious
natives of Caraga. The relief expedition to Ternate has been successful,
and the Dutch power seems to be waning in those seas. But the only

effective check upon the Dutch enemy is found in the Spanish
establishments in the Philippines and Moluccas, for which Tavora
urges more systematic and reliable aid from the home government--not
only for the sake of the Philippine colony, but even more for that of all
India, which is in danger of ruin if the heretics be not held back. The
governor has made a successful beginning of shipbuilding for the
islands, in the country of Camboja. Certain disputed matters connected
with the military service are referred to the king.
Some ecclesiastical affairs are also mentioned. The archbishop-elect
has had some difficulties in securing possession of his see, and the
Audiencia has decided against him. The religious orders refuse to obey
the royal decree as to changes and appointments of missionaries. The
see of Camarines has long been vacant; Tavora suggests that this
diocese be abolished, annexing its territory to those of Cebú and Manila.
The religious orders are in peaceable condition. More missionaries are
needed in the islands but Tavora urges that more care be exercised in
selecting them. He asserts that his solicitude in this respect has incurred
the ill-will of the friars toward him.
The usual Jesuit chronicle is furnished for the years 1630-32. The
writer notes the general peace enjoyed by the Philippine colony, who
have not been molested of late by the Dutch; also the rebellion (now
being quelled) of the Indians in Caraga. The Japanese offer to reopen
trade with Manila; but this writer regards all their friendly proposals as
a veil for intended treachery toward the Spaniards. The persecution of
Christian teachers and converts in Japan is still furious; and this subject
occupies most of the document, in a