Argensola relates the great fire in Manila and the Chinese insurrection, both in 1603; he gives some information thereon which is not found in other accounts.  This revolt, although quelled, causes great disturbance of business and industry, and much want and distress, in Manila, which had so largely been dependent upon its Chinese population.  Soon afterward reenforcements and supplies are received there from Mexico.  In February, 1605, a Dutch fleet appears in the Eastern archipelago, and captures Amboina and Tidore.  Portuguese fugitives from Tidore inform Acuna of the purpose of the Dutch to attack the galleons on the Mexican route and perhaps other Spanish interests; and to drive out the Spaniards from that quarter of the world.  He immediately sends more men to the garrisons in the Pintados, and takes other precautions.  The arrival of numerous reenforcements at Manila encourages him and checks the insolence of surrounding peoples.  The Dutch aid the Ternatans, while Acuna makes vigorous preparations for the expedition to be made against these foes.  He sails with over three thousand men, in thirty-six vessels, from Iloilo on January 5, 1606.  The flagship is wrecked at La Caldera; the other vessels mistake their course, and do not reach the Moluccas until late in March.  They besiege Ternate, and finally carry it by assault; the city and fort are pillaged by the soldiers.  Afterward the king is induced to surrender and Acuna makes a treaty with him.  The king surrenders his forts and restores all captives; delivers up any Dutchmen or Spanish renegades who may be in Ternate; and gives up the villages of Christian natives in adjacent islands.  Acuna leaves a strong garrison in Ternate, and carries the king and other captives to Manila.  A few weeks after his return, Acuna dies—­by poison, according to popular rumor.

To this volume is appended (apropos of an allusion by Morga) an interesting account of the ancient customs observed by the natives of Pampanga in the administration of justice.  These differed, according to the social status of the parties concerned, and the kind of crime; but, in general, certain fixed amounts were paid as the penalties for most crimes, and in some cases the penalty was life for life.  If the culprit could not pay the fine, he was usually sold as a slave.  Parricide and infanticide were apparently unknown among them.  Marriages, divorces, inheritances, enslavements, disputes, etc., are all considered in this account, obtained by the Franciscan Juan de Plasencia from the natives.

The Editors June, 1904.

SUCESOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS (concluded)

By Dr. Antonio de Morga.  Mexico:  at the shop of Geronymo Balli in the year 1609; printed by Cornelio Adriano Cesar.

Source:  The translation is made from the Harvard copy of the original printed work.

Translation:  This is made by Alfonso de Salvio, Norman F. Hall, and James Alexander Robertson.