A prominent Jesuit in Manila, Juan de Ribera, writes (probably in 1616) an account of an expedition sent from India in 1615 for the aid of the Philippines.  The Dutch are obtaining so firm a foothold in the Orient that the Spanish commerce is not only much decreased, but is in constant danger from the attacks of the “Dutch pirates.”  Silva despatches Ribera to India, to ask from the viceroy aid for the Philippines; he sends with the envoy four galleons, which, after a voyage of many delays and hardships, reach Malacca.  There they encounter a large Malay fleet, which they defeat, with great loss on both sides.  A few weeks later a Dutch fleet arrives at Malacca, intending to unite with these very Malays; a fierce battle ensues, in which the Portuguese galleons are destroyed.  In February 1616, Silva arives at Malacca with his fleet; but soon afterward he is attacked by a fever which causes his death (April 19).  To this is added another version of Ribera’s letter, and a letter by Valerio de Ledesma—­both obtained from Colin’s Labor evangelica.  These cover the same ground as the preceding letter, but contain some matter not found therein, including an account of the battle at Playa Honda.

A biographical and chronological list of all the Spanish governors of the Philippines, from 1565 to 1898, is here presented.  It is prepared by a careful collation, sifting, and verification of data obtained from the best authorities extant; and will be found useful for reference by general readers, as well as by students of history.  This is followed by a law of 1664, providing for the government of the islands ad interim; and an extract from the Historia of the Jesuit Delgado (1751), “Some things worth knowing about the governors of the Filipinas Islands.”  He says:  “In no kingdom or province of the Spanish crown do the viceroys or governors enjoy greater privileges, superiority, and grandeur than in Filipinas.”  Delgado moralizes on the qualifications necessary for such a post, illustrating his remarks by historical examples.  He outlines the intercourse and relations of the Philippines with the peoples about them, and the conquests made by the Spanish colonial governors.  Next is given a chapter from the Estado de las Islas Filipinas en 1842 of Sinibaldo de Mas—­a Spanish diplomat who visited the islands—­on “the administration of government and the captaincy-general” therein.  He, too, describes the great authority and privilege of the governor of the Philippines; and outlines the plan of the general, provincial, and local governments.  The mestizos, when numerous in any community, have their own separate government.  As the cabezas de barangay and some members of their families are exempted from paying tributes, they form a privileged class which is a burden on the taxpayers—­a serious defect in the system of government.  A special arrangement is made for the Chinese residing in Manila, and they are enrolled and classified for