hair and foresake their native land.  This purpose they are enabled to accomplish, after encountering many difficulties, through the aid of some Chinese Christians in Manila; and two friars are sent to China, Miguel de Benavides and Juan Castro.  The Dominicans have also built a hospital for the Chinese; it is supported by alms, partly contributed by “Sangley” infidels; and its physician is a converted Chinese who devotes himself to its service.  This institution has won much renown and commendation in China.  Salazar asks that the king grant it some aid, and that he confirm a reward given by the governor to the two Christian Chinese who aided the mission to China.  Another letter from Salazar bearing the same date (June 24) recounts many things concerning affairs in the islands.  He protests against the royal orders to increase the rate of tribute paid by the Indians, saying that the king has been misinformed regarding their ability to pay.  He makes comments on the several royal decrees which have come in this year’s mail.  One commands that the conquerors make restitution for the damages inflicted by them upon the natives; but they or their heirs are tardy in paying the amounts levied for this purpose, and meanwhile the Indians live in great poverty and want.  The bishop’s heart and conscience are harassed not only by this, but by the inability of the Spaniards to pay the full amount which is due the Indians as restitution; he therefore asks the king to settle this matter by remitting part of the amounts thus required.  Salazar defends himself for having encouraged the Indian slaves (who had been freed by royal decree) to leave their Spanish masters; and for obliging the Chinese converts to cut off their hair.  He also explains, as being greatly exaggerated, the accusations brought against his clergy of engaging in traffic; and promises to do all in his power to check them.  One of the decrees settles the question of precedence between him and the Audiencia; but, as that tribunal has been suppressed, it is now useless.  Salazar takes this opportunity to defend himself against the aspersions cast upon him in this matter, and in regard to certain legal proceedings wherein the Audiencia had claimed that he defied its authority.  He declares that he always complied with its decisions or commands except in a few cases, which he explains in detail; and complains that the Audiencia has at various times usurped his jurisdiction, of which he relates instances.

In still another letter (of the same date) the bishop thanks his sovereign for recent kindness shown him, and for decrees favorable to the Philippine colony.  The money which the king ordered to be given for building the cathedral at Manila has not yet been paid, as the royal treasury there is so poor.  Salazar comments on certain recent decrees by the king:  that the friars should not leave the islands without permission from the authorities; that tithes be remitted for twenty years to new settlers in the islands; and that