Then follows a curious scheme for invading and conquering China; this would bring much wealth to the crown of Spain, and be the means of converting innumerable souls to the Christian faith; the king is urged to undertake this enterprise at once.  The arguments in justification of this conquest are left for Father Sanchez to explain to his Majesty.  The forces, equipment, and supplies necessary are enumerated in detail, as also what part of these can be furnished in the Philippines themselves, where preparations for the expedition have already begun.  The fleet which is expected to come from Spain with men and supplies should land in Cagayan, Luzon; the routes which may be taken by those vessels are described, and that by the Strait of Magellan is recommended as the shortest and safest.  It is desirable to induce the Portuguese to take part in the proposed conquest; and an auxiliary force will probably come from Japan.  The Jesuit missionaries who are in China are expected to act as guides and interpreters for the expedition.  The troops should be so numerous and well equipped that they can at once awe the Chinese into submission; but they should not be allowed to ravage the country, nor should the native government be destroyed, as has so often been done in other Spanish conquests.  It must be understood that the proposed expedition is not to deal with the Chinese as if they were Moors or Turks; it will be sent only to escort the preachers of the faith, and to see that any converts that they may gain shall be unmolested by the Chinese authorities; it should therefore be commanded and officered by honorable, humane, and Christian men.  The gains which would result from the conquest of China are enumerated—­at first, mainly religious; these include the foundation of many schools, churches, and monasteries for the Chinese, wherein they will speedily become Europeanized.  The writer praises the natural abilities and excellent qualities of the people, and especially the virtue of their women.  As for worldly advantages, these are many and great.  Every year China can furnish to the Spanish treasury galleons loaded with gold, silks, and other treasures; much silver from its mines; and large amounts in rents, taxes, etc.  All China can be divided into encomiendas; and there will be many offices and dignities to be enjoyed by the king’s faithful vassals—­indeed, “a great part of the Spanish people could come to reside there, and be ennobled.”  On account of the great virtue, modesty, submissiveness, and beauty of the Chinese women, they would prove to be excellent wives for the Spaniards; thus the two peoples would mingle, and “all would be united, fraternal, and Christian.”  It is for lack of such amalgamation that European experiments in Oriental colonization have hitherto failed; but the proposed scheme will ensure to Spain success in such expansion.  They have thus far failed therein in the Philippines, scorning the natives as inferior beings, who are fit