We order the viceroys of Nueva Espana to maintain very special care of the observance and execution of the ordinances for the commerce of the Filipinas line, established by the laws of this titulo; and to keep at the port of Acapulco, in addition to the royal officials who shall be there, a person of great honesty and trustworthiness, with the title of alcalde-mayor, so that everything be done with very great caution, and justice be observed.  He shall not permit more silver to be taken to Filipinas than that conceded by these laws, with or without license. [Felipe III—­Valladolid, December 31, 1604.]

Law LXXV

The viceroy of Nueva Espana, and the governor and captain-general of Filipinas, all other of our judges and magistrates, and private individuals, each one in what pertains to him, shall observe, and cause to be observed and fulfilled, the ordinances regarding this traffic and commerce, and shall execute them exactly without remission or dispensation.  In their residencias, especial attention shall be paid to their omission and neglect.  We charge the archbishop of Manila to exercise the same care in what shall be specially entrusted to him, which is not repealed or altered by these laws.  Of all, advice shall be given us. [Felipe III—­Valladolid, December 31, 1604.]

Law LXXVI

We charge and order the viceroys of Peru to see that all the ordinances in regard to the prohibition of Chinese stuffs be fulfilled and executed exactly.  For their execution and fulfilment, they shall appoint an auditor of our royal Audiencia of Los Reyes, in whom they can place entire confidence.  They shall see that he proceeds thoroughly and executes the penalties with the required rigor, without any dispensation.  The auditor shall privately try these cases in the said city and its districts in so far as he shall have cause to invoke the law; and all other justices in their territories shall do the same. [Felipe III—­Valladolid, December 31, 1604.]

Law LXXVIII

Permission was given for two ships to go to Nueva Espana annually from Peru for commerce and trade to the value of two hundred thousand ducados; which was afterward reduced to one ship, with certain conditions.  And inasmuch as the trade in Chinese stuffs has increased to excessive proportions in Peru, notwithstanding so many prohibitions expedient to our royal service, the welfare and utility of the public cause, and the commerce of these and those kingdoms; and a final decision of the viceroy, Conde de Chinchon, [8] having preceded, and a vote of the treasury to suppress absolutely any opportunity for this trade:  therefore we order and command the viceroys of Peru and Nueva Espana to prohibit and suppress, without fail, this commerce and trade between both kingdoms, [9] by all the ways and means possible; and that it be not carried on by any other regions, for we by this present prohibit it.  This prohibition shall be kept strictly and shall continue to be so kept. [Felipe III—­Valladolid, December 31, 1604; San Lorenzo, June 20, 1609; Madrid, March 28, 1620, clause 1.  Felipe IV—­Madrid, November 25, 1634; Madrid, March 29, 1636, a clause of a letter to the Conde de Chinchon.]