Compulsory Service by the Indians

Opinion addressed to his Majesty by Fray Pedro de Sant Pablo, preacher and provincial minister of the province of Sant Gregorio of the discalced religious of the Philipinas Islands, of the Order of the seraphic Father St. Francis, for the increase and conservation of the said states of his Majesty, by reason of the building of ships and repartimiento [17] for the service of his Majesty.

The native Indians of the Philipinas Islands enjoyed great temporal prosperity and peace until the year 1609, when Governor Don Juan de Silva established in these islands the shipyards for constructing the fleets that he built.  For that purpose he imposed the very burdensome taxes, and made repartimientos among the natives of the said islands—­not only personal, but for wine, oil, timber, and other supplies and materials, in the greatest quantity.  That has remained and been established as a custom.  Those materials and supplies have been taken by some without payment, while others have paid the fourth or third part of the just and current value.  Hence his Majesty owes them a great sum, but he cannot pay it, nor has he the money to pay it in these islands.  When personal services are commanded, the Indian, in order not to go to the forests to cut and haul the wood, subject to the cruel treatment of the Spaniard, incurred debt, and borrowed some money at usury; and for the month falling to him, he gave another Indian six or seven reals of eight at his own cost, in order that the other should go in his stead.  He who was taxed as his share one-half arroba of oil went, if he did not have it from his own harvest, to the rich man who gathered it; and, not having the money wherewith to buy it, he became the other’s slave or borrowed the money at usurious rates.  Thus, in the space of ten years, did the country become in great measure ruined.  Some natives took to the woods; others were made slaves; many others were killed; and the rest were exhausted and ruined:  all of which is evident from the summary of the account that I send his Majesty with the present.  There can this truth be seen and recognized.  In order that the injury committed may be more clearly evident, it is to be noted that these Indians are in the depth of poverty, and have no possessions of value.  Neither do they inherit anything save a little plot of land which they sow with rice—­not to sell, but only for what is necessary for their families.  Their houses are built on four posts; their walls are of bamboo and thatch, and are very small.  Such was the spoliation committed on a people so poor and wretched that they would say:  “Father, I will give the king twenty reals of eight annually, so that they will spare me from repartimientos;” but, having investigated, all their property is not worth an equal sum.  This granted, request is made, by the common opinion and consent of the governor, Audiencia, bishops, orders, the Spaniards, and the Indians themselves, for permission from your Majesty for the following: