The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 | Page 7

economic dependence of the
Philippines on China is very close, especially in the matter of supplying
food and cattle. Certain extension of authority which had been granted
to the bishop is asked by the Audiencia for him. The participation of
the Spaniards in the rich Chinese trade has aroused the jealousy of the
Portuguese in India, who are endeavoring to shut out the Castilians
from that country; the king is asked to take such measures as he deems
best in this matter. Complaint is made that a certain Mexican officer
has gone, in disobedience to his orders, to China, apparently to trade.
Pedro de Rojas, a member of the Audiencia, also writes (June 30) in
commendation of Sánchez. He relates the dissensions in the Audiencia

over the appointments to offices, and asks for royal action which shall
settle this difficulty. He seconds the request made in other letters for
the removal of the Audiencia, provided a capable and honest man be
selected for governor, and gives advice regarding the conduct of
colonial affairs. He complains of the injury to the interests of the
colony which results from the Chinese trade in silks and other luxuries,
and advises that it be stopped; then the Chinese will bring cattle, food,
and other supplies, to the advantage of the Spaniards. The latter have
devoted themselves to commerce; and, as most of them are soldiers,
they neglect their military duties, lose their courage, and have become
vicious and demoralized. Rojas urges that they be restrained from
engaging in traffic, leaving the islands, or transferring their
encomiendas to the crown. A seminary for girls should be established
at Manila, and young women from Spain should be encouraged and
aided to come to the islands. The gold obtained in the Philippines
should be sent to Mexico, and a specified sum of money, in coin,
should be sent thence to the islands each year. Rojas recommends that
Bishop Salazar be made governor, and praises his qualifications for that
office; next to the bishop, the auditor Ayala would be most suitable.
Juan Moron, a military officer, sends (June 30) a report of his
expedition to Maluco with troops to succor the Spanish fort there. He
urges that a stone fort be erected for the defense of Manila, and that
some encomiendas of Indians be granted for the support of the
municipal government; and commends the envoy Sánchez.
A group of documents which contain "measures regarding trade with
China" (1586-90) throws much light on economic conditions in the
Spanish colonies at that time. The first of these (dated June 17, 1586),
although unsigned, is apparently written by a member of the royal
Council of the Indias. He cites letters from several Spanish officials of
high standing, to show that the Philippine-Chinese trade is injuring that
of the mother-country and of Mexico; and the complaint is again made
that Spanish money is continually flowing into China, thus depleting
the wealth of the colonies. The writer recommends that the latter be
forbidden to import Chinese goods; and that the viceroy of Nueva
España be directed to take measures to accomplish this. Two days later,
a decree to this effect is signed by the king. Extracts from a letter
written (November 15) by the viceroy, after referring to the success of

the efforts made to sustain the Spanish colony in the Philippines, and to
propagate the Christian faith among the natives there, indicate the
desirability of continuing the trade begun with China. Through this
agency, his Majesty's subjects in the colonies are benefited, and (a still
more important consideration) an open door for the entrance of the
Christian faith into that heathen land is secured. If the Chinese trade be
cut off, the Spanish population of the Philippines cannot be maintained,
and the natives will rebel against their conquerors. The encomenderos
depend upon the Chinese for clothing and food, and for the opportunity
to dispose of the goods received from the Indians as tributes. In view of
all these considerations, the viceroy has abrogated the royal decree for
the present, and has, besides, ordered the collection of a heavy duty on
all cloth imported from Spain to Mexico.
A brief of Sixtus V (November 15, 1586) erects into a province the
former custodia of the Franciscan friars in the Philippines.
The viceroy of Mexico advises the home government (February 8, 1587)
to encourage the merchants who carry on the Philippine trade,
especially by selling to them ships made in the royal shipyards.
Santiago de Vera, governor of the Philippines, writes to the king (June
26, 1587). He entreats that more soldiers be sent, and that they be
supplied with food and other necessaries; for, as those hitherto sent
have received no food or pay, most of them have died from their
privations, or from