death of those who should come with the goods from the said islands; for in such case it can be done.  And we also order that the inhabitants of Filipinas cannot consign their merchandise to generals, commanders, captains, officials, soldiers, or sailors of the vessels of that commerce, or of any other vessels, even though these be inhabitants of the said islands as well as the persons above mentioned. [3] [Felipe II—­Madrid, January 11, 1593.  Felipe IV—­Madrid, February 10, 1635.]

Law VI

It is our will that the trade and commerce of the Filipinas Islands with Nueva Espana be carried on for the present as ordained.  Under no consideration shall the amount of merchandise shipped annually from those islands to Nueva Espana exceed two hundred and fifty thousand eight-real pieces, nor the return of principal and profits in money, the five hundred thousand pesos which are permitted—­under no pretext, cause, or argument that can be advanced, which is not expressed by a law of this titulo; and the traders shall necessarily be citizens of the Filipinas, as is also ordained. [Felipe II—­Madrid, January 11, 1593.  Felipe III—­December 31, 1604; Madrid, May 4, 1619; Lisboa, September 14, 1619.]

Law XV

From Nueva Espana to Filipinas only two vessels can sail annually, up to three hundred toneladas’ burden.  In them shall be carried the reenforcements of men and supplies, and they shall bear a permit.  For this purpose there shall be three ships, one of which shall remain in readiness at the port of Acapulco, while the other two make the voyage.  For the security of the voyage, those who go on account of our royal treasury shall endeavor to see that the cost be drawn from the freights.  From Nueva Espana not more than two hundred and fifty thousand pesos de tipusque shall be taken in the vessels during any one year.  Whatever above that amount is taken shall be confiscated and applied in three equal parts to the exchequer, the judge, and the denouncer.  We order the governor of Filipinas to inspect the ships when they reach port, and execute the penalty. [Felipe II—­Madrid, January 11, 1593.  Felipe III—­Valladolid, December 31, 1604.]

Law XXXIV

We order and command that no person trade or traffic in the kingdoms or in any part of China, and that no goods be shipped from that kingdom to the Filipinas Islands on the account of the merchants of those islands.  The Chinese themselves shall convey their goods at their own account and risk, and sell them there by wholesale.  The governor and captain-general with the council of the city of Manila shall annually appoint two or three persons, whom they shall deem best fitted, to appraise the value and worth of the merchandise, and shall take the goods at wholesale from the Chinese, to whom they shall pay the price.  Then they shall