It has been reported that the passengers and sailors of the trading ships of Filipinas transport and carry slave-women, who are the cause of very great offenses to God, and other troubles; this should be prohibited and reformed (and more reasonably so in a navigation so long and dangerous), and all occasions for offending God suppressed.  For the remedy of this, we order and command the president and auditors of our royal Audiencia of Manila not to permit any slave-women to be transported or carried on those ships.  They shall pay particular attention to the correction of the aforesaid evil, so that those difficulties may cease and be avoided.  We also order and command the fiscal of the Audiencia to see to its execution.  The senior auditor shall inspect the ships at the time of their sailing, and see if any married woman is aboard, who has no necessity for making the voyage.  The trying of any cause shall be before the said president and auditors, who shall provide justice, and this shall be made a clause of their residencias. [Felipe III—­San Lorenzo, April 22, 1608.]

Law XII

After those who wish to go to the Filipinas have bound themselves and given bonds to live in the islands for at least eight years, the viceroy of Nueva Espana shall permit them to take thence their own property in money, outside of the general permission.  He shall take precautions and ordain that there shall be no fraud; and that such persons shall not carry more than the value of their own property, under any consideration.  In case of a violation of this, the penalties imposed shall be executed. [Felipe III—­El Pardo, November 20, 1608.]

Law II

The trade, commerce, and navigation from the Filipinas to Japon shall be made by the citizens of the former islands, and the Japanese shall not be allowed to go to the islands.  On the merchandise carried in the ships despatched on the account of our royal treasury, no less freight charges shall be collected than those caused in the ships of private persons, so that the cost of the merchandise may be assured.  If there should be any inclination or substance in this trade, so that the duties may be paid and our treasury relieved of a portion of its costs and expenses that be paid from them, we order that they be collected and paid. [Felipe III—­Segovia, July 25, 1609.]

JESUIT MISSIONS, 1608-09

Province of the Philippine Islands

These islands have ninety-one [sic] members of the Order.  Four have passed away; and the same number have been received into the Order.

                            Total Priests Preceptors Scholastics Lay
          
                                                     Brethren