and other late auditors have been greedy of gain in the foreign trade, and have opposed the governor’s efforts to raise funds for necessary expenses.  The latter has ascertained what their business dealings are, of which he has sent reports to Spain.  He recommends that Rojas be transferred to some other country, preferably not Mexico. (An endorsement on the Ms. states that Rojas has been given an appointment in Mexico.) At the end is the “register of merchandise carried in the ship ’Sant Felippe’;” all the consignors are ecclesiastics, or officials of the Audiencia.  In another letter (June 11) Dasmarinas informs the king of a recent embassy sent to him by a king in Japan, and sends to him translated copies of the letters which they bring, which demand from the Spaniards subjection and tribute, to be rendered to him.  In this emergency, they are endeavoring to prepare for possible hostilities and Dasmarinas asks that the Mexican government be commanded to furnish troops and supplies to the Philippines.  The letter of the Japanese ruler (written in 1591) demands, with much arrogance, that the Spaniards render him allegiance and tribute.  Dasmarinas replies cautiously, alleging that he does not understand the Japanese language, and fears that the envoy is making false representations; he accordingly sends an envoy (Father Juan Cobo) to carry this letter, with a present, to the king of Japan.

Another Letter to Felipe (June 20, 1592) recounts the difficulties which Dasmarinas had to encounter upon arriving in the Philippines.  He is disgusted with the exorbitant claims made by the soldiers for rewards due them for their services.  He finds no ships or supplies, and no place where the latter could be kept.  He is building storehouses, and collecting what supplies he can find.  He has built such fortifications as his means permitted; for this he has levied various duties and contributions.  He has incurred the enmity of the bishop and friars.  The royal exchequer is empty, but heavily loaded with debts—­a legacy from the Audiencia.  The governor objects to the Chinese trade, and thinks that the natives of the islands should be induced to raise and weave their own cotton.  He has issued a decree forbidding the Chinese traders to remain in the islands; this is violently opposed by the clergy and friars.  Dasmarinas warns the king that this measure will decrease the royal income.  The bishop intends to go to Spain, and is trying to make trouble for the governor.  Another letter of the same date is devoted to an account of his difficulties with the ecclesiastics.  He complains of their arbitrary and tyrannical conduct, and of the bishop’s headstrong and obstinate disposition, and his interference with the conduct of secular affairs.  Both he and the friars have so used their power over the Indians that the latter “recognize no other king or superior than the father of the doctrina, and are more attentive to his commands than to those of the