The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 11 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 289 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 11 of 55.

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 11 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 289 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 11 of 55.

18.  In the island of Zubu there is a notary-public who bought the office from your Majesty.  The cabildo there have written to me that there is need of still another, and that accordingly it might be sold.  Therefore, if your Majesty pleases, you might order another notaryship sold in said island of Zubu.

[In the margin:  “Have the governor and Audiencia send an information regarding this, and what offices have been sold in those islands, at what price, and to what persons.”]

19.  The city of Nueva Segovia, of the province of Cagayan, the chief city of that bishopric, has no notary-public named by your Majesty, but only one appointed by the governor, for the cases which there arise.  This is a great inconvenience, as wills and other writings cannot be sworn to before him, from which results damage to the citizens.  It would be well, if your Majesty were so pleased, to sell a notary-public’s office there.

20.  The office of depositary-general of this city of Manila, on account of the governors having appointed to it persons who were their confidants, is embarrassed with some difficulties, which would cease if the office were sold, and the royal treasury would be benefited.  Your Majesty will command whatever is most expedient for your royal service.

[In the margin:  “Let the governor and Audiencia inform us whether it is well to sell the office, and who can be found for it; and, in case that it is not well to sell it, what persons there are of character, worth, and conscience which fit them to take the commission for it.  Let the royal officials also give information.”]

21.  About four years ago the preaching of the bulls was commenced here, and the governor appoint a treasurer for them; and it is also said that there came a decree from your Majesty directing that the account be audited every year by a royal official, and that the proceeds from them be remitted.  Thus far, no royal official has taken the said accounts; and I have been informed that in sending the proceed thereof there has not been much punctuality, and that the money has been employed in uses and investments for certain private persons.  For the correction of all this, it would be well that from now on an auditor should audit the said accounts of the said treasurer, and cause the balance which is found to be placed in the royal treasury, charging it as a separate account to the royal officials; then, in the first ships which leave, it may be sent to Nueva Espana, invested in merchandise, whereby it will be doubled, with no more risk than if it were taken in coin.  The latter is never taken because what has to be sent is invested, and turned into money in Mexico, and amounts to twice as much.  The profit which can be made in this way might better be, for so good a work as that for which the alms of the said bulls is applied.

[In the margin:  “Let a copy of this clause be given to Senor the licentiate Valtodano, to be examined in the council for the crusade.”]

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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 11 of 55 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.