The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XXIV, 1630-34 | Page 2

noted prelate, and relates many things to show these. He then proceeds to give another version of the difficulties connected with the second election of Lorenzo de León, one side of which was told in vol. xiii; Medina takes sides with that provincial, and regrets his deposition from office, but contents himself with a statement of the bare facts, and some general comments.
In 1606, missionaries of the discalced (or Recollect) Augustinians arrive in the Philippines. The missions established by them are enumerated, many being ceded to them by the regular Augustinians; their labors extend even to Cuyo and Calamianes, and eastern Mindanao, among the Moro peoples. León's unexpired term as provincial is most worthily filled by Pedro de Arce. In 1608 he is succeeded by Fray Pedro de Solier, a man of great ability and zeal, who conducts the affairs of the province well, and brings the religious therein under stricter discipline. Certain differences arise between the two Augustinian orders, and an inspection of their houses and affairs is ordered from Rome. For those in Filipinas is appointed (1609) Fray Diego de Guevara, who had been sent to Europe some years before as an envoy from the city of Manila and from his order there. He sets out for the Philippines with a large re?nforcement of missionaries; but not all of these are permitted to embark at Acapulco. Medina gives brief sketches of the characters and lives of these men, and some account of Guevara's proceedings as visitor of the province. The provincial Solier is exonerated from blame, incurred through erroneous reports of his conduct, but is obliged to go to Spain to render an account of it; he does this so well that he is made bishop of Porto Rico. In 1611 Fray Miguel García is elected provincial of Filipinas, and administers his office very acceptably. Another re?nforcement of missionaries arrives in 1613; their outfit for the journey is so meager that they barely survive its hardships. By vote of the chapter of 1611, the interval between its meetings was extended to four years. Much discontent arises at this, and the act is revoked, the next chapter meeting in 1614. An attempt is made to reduce the number entitled to vote therein; this is done, although in the face of strong opposition. At the chapter of 1614, Fray Vicente de Sepúlveda is made provincial; his severity of rule is onerous to his subordinates. The Dutch send a fleet to Arévalo; the Spanish commandant there takes to cowardly flight, as do all his forces, and the enemy burn the town. The missionaries seek refuge in other places; and their convents shelter and feed homeless refugees and hungry soldiers, to the extent of their resources. After the enemy's retreat, the fathers return to their missions, and encourage the Indians to resume their former homes and labors. Another attack by the Dutch, on Otón, is repulsed by the Spaniards, after a desperate resistance; and the latter build an excellent fort there, to defend themselves from such raids.
Fray Jerónimo de Salas is elected provincial in 1617, but dies within three weeks' time, and Sepúlveda succeeds to his post. His rigorous rule arouses much resentment; and he obstinately refuses, even when advised and warned, to give up his office. Finally, in August of that same year, Sepúlveda is murdered by three religious of his own order. One of these escapes from the islands; the other two are hanged. Another meeting of the chapter is held (October 31, 1617) and Fray Alonso Baraona is made provincial.
Archbishop Vazquez de Mercado dies, and is succeeded by the Augustinian Pedro de Arce. The Dutch make an attempt (1618) on Luzón, but are defeated by Ronquillo at Playa Honda. Juan de Silva's death is followed by the loss of the galleons that he had taken to Malaca. The Moro pirates of Mindanao ravage the islands; a Spanish fleet is sent against them, and destroys many of their craft. An Augustinian friar persuades the survivors to surrender; these are afterward enslaved. Medina gives some account of Baraona's management of affairs as provincial.
In the chapter of 1620 Juan Enríquez is elected provincial; he administers his office with discretion and faithfulness. Various events in his term are recorded by Medina. In that period the Recollect Augustinians establish themselves in Cebú and Mindanao. An insurrection arises in Bohol, originating among the native sorcerers or priests; the Jesuit missionaries there induce the Spanish authorities at Cebú to send troops against the rebels, who are subdued by the aid of the Holy Child in Cebú. Another rising in Leyte is also put down, and the islands are saved for Spain. A severe earthquake is felt in all the islands, and does much damage. The constant danger of attack by the Dutch greatly hinders the coming