64.  In both the conduct and dress of men and women, unwarrantable extravagance and license exist.  Rich and poor, and chiefs and common people alike, all wish to dress in fine garments, have their wives carried in chairs attended by pages, have carpets in the churches, and many other unwarrantable luxuries, from which arise many difficulties.  As far as possible this condition of affairs must be remedied.

65.  In Manila the men are accustomed to gamble for enormous and excessive stakes; whatever of this sort is especially objectionable should be corrected.  During the visits and intercourse of the women, their chief diversion is to play cards, and more commonly than is becoming to their station.  Men are admitted to these games, from which might arise greater evils.  This matter requires attention.

66.  For very just and necessary considerations, the Sangleys have not been allowed to sleep in the city.  This measure should still be enforced rigorously.

67.  There are a great number of Indians, both men and women, in the city of Manila, who are vagabonds of evil life, living in the houses of the Spaniards.  Their own houses they use for receiving the goods stolen by their slaves, and for their revelries.  The Spaniards aid them, and thus waste the provisions.  They are retailers and secretly buy up the provisions at wholesale.  They commit other sins and do much harm, as is notorious.  Therefore it is necessary that they be expelled from the city and sent to their villages and parishes, and made to work.

68.  The country is becoming filled with black slaves and Cafres, [8] brought by the Portuguese, and these are the worst that the Portuguese have.  They do a great deal of damage, transgress the law, and will cause the ruin of this city and country; for they rebel at least every year, seize vessels, and take flight, committing many outrages and thefts.  It is contrary to the law to bring these slaves, unless very young, but this law is poorly observed.  It is advisable to take the measures necessary in this matter.

69.  Large fires have occurred in the city of Manila, and are constantly occurring.  Although many of the buildings and houses are of stone, still many are made of wood, or of bamboo thatched with leaves of the nipa palm.  It was decreed that all be covered with roof tiles, but this law is not rigorously enforced.  It is advisable to have this law observed, both to diminish the danger, and for the well-being of the city.

70.  The streets of the city are in poor condition, and are very uneven.  During the rainy season, they are almost impassable, and should be repaired.

71.  In regard to the public works of the city—­the cabildo’s hall, the prison, and the slaughter-house—­they should be constructed as soon as possible, for their absence causes great hardship.

72.  The Sangleys are buying gardens, estates, and other country property, which may prove harmful.  They are also establishing themselves in these lands, and in the houses of some of the orders, contrary to his Majesty’s ordinance.  The small size of this country may render this more harmful than in other countries.