Illustrations

Title-page of Annuae litterae Societatis Iesv (Dilingae, M. DC.  X); photographic facsimile, from copy in Library of Congress 51 Title-page of Documentos, datos, y relaciones para la historia de Filipinas—­Ms. collection of transcripts from documents in Spanish archives, for the period 1586-1792, by Ventura del Arco (Madrid, 1859-1865), possession of Edward E. Ayer, Chicago; photographic facsimile 101 Autograph signature of Gregorio Lopez, S.J.; facsimile from tracing of original, in Ventura del Arco MSS. (Ayer library) 141

PREFACE

The present volume covers the seven years from 1609 to 1616, the leading subjects in the documents therein being commerce and navigation, missions, and ecclesiastical affairs.  The commercial and navigation laws covering a quarter of a century previous to this period give incidentally much curious information on social and economic conditions in the islands.  The outflow of silver from Nueva Espana to China via Manila still causes alarm; but it is evident that the suppression of the trade between Acapulco and Manila is not an infallible remedy for this difficulty.  As it is, the islands are suffering from the injuries to their trade that the Dutch have inflicted, and from the ruinous expenses caused by their wars with these persistent enemies.  No less do the Indians suffer from the exactions levied upon them for the public works and defense; but the home government attempts to lessen these burdens, and protect the natives from oppression.  The missions of the Jesuits are reported as making rapid progress; and statistics of the work conducted by them and by the other religious orders give a view of the general missionary field.  The Dominicans begin their college of Santo Tomas at Manila; and their officials urge upon the king the suppression of the Audiencia.  The relations between the various orders appear to be not strictly harmonious.  The power of the Spaniards in the Orient, and the future of the Philippine colony, are seriously menaced by the increasing gains of the Dutch in the Moluccas.

Various laws regarding the navigation and commerce of the Philippines are presented, in chronological order, dated 1583-1609.  The sale of merchandise by pancada is to be retained, and regulations are made therefor.  Trade between the American colonies with China or Filipinas is prohibited; and the citizens of Filipinas are granted a monopoly of the trade to Nueva Espana.  But this is limited to a specified amount and only two ships may be sent annually.  The goods thus sent to Nueva Espana must be consumed there.  Copies of the merchandise registers of these vessels must be sent to the Council of the Indias.  Persons who have been exiled to Filipinas must be compelled to reside there.  No