of the natives be also chosen by the archbishop and governor, and that he may not be removed or disqualified from his office except for known remissness and guilt, nor allowed to keep it if he is guilty.  He should have a good salary in return for his labors, his attention to the laws, and the necessity that he is under of opposing many influential men.  And although the salary is assigned already, it is likewise desirable that he be very much favored in his office by the governor, so that he may petition and procure the good of the Indians with greater resolution and freedom.  Above all, it is advisable that the chief protector be the archbishop, and each bishop in his bishopric.

Wages of the natives

It is also necessary and important for your Majesty to order the officials of your treasury to entrust and send the wages of the Indians, for any services for your Majesty ordered to be performed by them—­such as the cutting of wood, the carrying of other things, and personal services performed by the natives, or given by them—­to men worthy of confidence and trust.  It should be sent to residents of the same districts where the services are ordered to be performed, particularly if the district is somewhat remote and distant.  For if the pay is not thus sent, those who did the work suffer, and, as a rule, do not get it.  The cause of this is, that those who perform these services generally live at a distance from Manila; and by not coming to the city, but waiting until they are paid, without leaving their homes, wives, and fields, they allow themselves to lose it.  Many come too, but are not paid even then, which is the cause of great harm.  Loss results also because generally certain persons perform the services, while others conduct the affair here.  Since they thus remain at home without coming to Manila for their pay (as is the quite general practice), and send a chief to collect it for them, before the latter gets it and the pay is turned over to those who performed the service, a long time elapses, and they may even never get it.  For sometimes the chiefs keep it, or give it for some pious object, at the instigation or persuasion of the religious, and to gratify the latter at the expense of another’s toil and of the poor—­who, although they would rather have their pay than give it away, do not dare to complain, as the chiefs, to whom they are very subject, are concerned in the matter.  Thus in order not to offend them or the father, or for other reasons, it comes to pass that the poor wretches do not enjoy the fruit of their labor.  In like manner, it is advisable for your Majesty to order straitly that the many who are conscripted for these services, expeditions, and ordinary works, from Tondo and the environs of Manila, at great cost and expense to them, be paid immediately; for their pay is due them for a long time, and is postponed and delayed for many days, to their great vexation, loss, and annoyance, and even to the extent of being a public offense.