go upon expeditions, or be given employment in other greater things, others will take their places and posts.  In this way the governor will be able to provide and remunerate those for whom there are no judicial posts to be given.  Also this plan will do away with annoyance to the governor, and even the danger that, if this plan be not followed, he might be persuaded or incited, by the importunity of claimants, to make appointments differently from what is advisable.  It will be well to specify and note that such rewards and gratifications are not to be given only to those who have spent years of service in the country; for some have been engaged for the most part in making collections in the encomiendas and in services that can be paid and rewarded with very little, and perhaps they even deserve punishment rather than reward, for some of their actions.  Thus the appointments should be given to those of the greatest merit.

That the soldiers’ pay be increased, and that it be paid them punctually, three times a year, on the expiration of the time, and without any delay; and that, whether it be increased or not, an order be issued to give, as shall be declared, one meal per day to poor and wretched Spaniards and soldiers who are without it.  From this follows what shall be declared in regard to it.  It is advisable to read this entire section.

It is very desirable and necessary that the pay of the soldiers be increased, for they suffer the utmost poverty and want with their pay of but six pesos; for the country is so expensive and so needy that they can in no manner be fed or clothed as is fitting.  This is necessary so that the spirit and honor of the soldiers may be kept constant, and so that they may not be debased and humbled to the low condition of becoming pages to women throughout the year.  This fits the name of soldiers of your Majesty very ill, and many of them are now thus engaged.  This is permitted to them and tolerated because of their poverty; for when it is seen and regarded close at hand, greater compassion and pity are felt for them.  Another cause for connivance and gentle treatment is the danger that they may commit other greater wrongs in the way of theft and violence, to which need is wont to incline and constrain men—­and there is enough of such things.

There is also danger of their flight and desertion for fear of punishment; and thus by being punished, the soldiery may be lost, and the forces lessened and made useless. [After making all allowances,] ordinarily there are plenty of them who require punishment, and more than get it, in proportion to the universal need and poverty.  Because of these things, the raising of the pay is very important, as is also a provision for additions to it, so that the companies may be kept intact and respectable.  For, if they have these, then respectable young men who are in this country, and who now are leaving it, will serve gladly.  They now come usually on the footing of mercenaries, because of their small means, and finally leave the islands—­only those remaining who are worthless and of no account, and even of them but few.  In other districts where there is no lack and need of people as here, they ought to consent.