only to be their slaves.  The Spaniards care only for their own enrichment, and treat the natives cruelly; consequently the latter are steadily diminishing, and the condition of the islands is deteriorating.  But in China all will be different, in both temporal and spiritual matters; and both Spaniards and Chinese will be greatly benefited, enriched, and increased.  Certain minor advantages to arise from the conquest of China are enumerated—­the establishment of numerous episcopal sees; the foundation of new military orders, and the extension of the old ones; the creation of many titled lords, and appointment of viceroys for the conquered provinces.  China, thus subdued, will be a vantage-ground from which Spain can control all Asia and a land-route to Europe.  Chinese colonists can be imported into the Philippines, “and thus enrich themselves and this land.”  And, finally, the immediate occupation of China will forestall any advance into the far Orient by the French, or the English, or any other heretical nation.  This scheme—­which as it proceeds acquires, like a soap-bubble, great size and brilliant coloring, and proves equally unsubstantial and transient—­is signed by the governor, bishop, superiors of the religious houses, and a long array of other notables in the islands.

By the mail which carries the “Memorial” are sent various letters supplementing the information contained in that document, or commending the envoy, Father Sanchez.  The military officials write to the king (June 24), reminding him that the foothold gained in the islands by the Christian faith can be maintained only by the presence of troops there.  The soldiers (whose courage and loyalty in the past are praised) are discouraged, because they have not received the rewards which they expected; they are lawless and demoralized, and their officers cannot control them.  The defense of Manila is thus imperiled, and the natives are led to despise the Spaniards.  The officers who write this letter complain because they have been unjustly treated in their efforts to improve this condition of affairs; they ask for redress, and for the abolition of the royal Audiencia.  A letter from the cabildo (municipal council) of Manila commends Sanchez as their envoy to the king.  They complain that the Audiencia “cannot be maintained here without the total destruction of the state,” which cannot bear the burden of this expense; and ask that it be abolished.  They ask for a garrison of three hundred paid troops, and the grant of an encomienda to the city of Manila.  They complain of the losses inflicted not only upon the merchants of that city, but upon the colonial government, by the trade which Mexican merchants carry on through the port of Manila with the Chinese; and demand that this traffic be restricted to the citizens of the islands.  They ask the king to see that more friars be sent out, both Augustinians and Franciscans.  The cabildo recommend that the archdeacon Juan de Bivero receive from the king some