The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 19 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 306 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 19 of 55.

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 19 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 306 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 19 of 55.
them to be on the offensive and defensive, and convey to their own country the wealth that we see in the Malucas, the value of which is evident in the armies and other expenses that are incurred.  From this example, since the expenses of my royal treasury are so heavy—­inasmuch as the trade is carried on only by conquest and force of arms—­everything is reduced to expense, and nothing to gain.  In order to make profit you are advised that the factory of Terrenate should barter and negotiate, in order that the profit obtained by the enemy might follow, and more if possible.  And if the natives of those islands see that their property is not taken from them, and if they are paid in the ordinary form, they will grow fond of us and become converted to our friendship.  From that it will be possible to pass to other objects, the chief one being the evangelical preaching.  Consequently, setting aside the universal gain that might come to the royal treasury for the gain in a specific case, the chief thing, and one which you are to push thoroughly (or rather two things), is the operation of mines and of factories for trade.  Fourth, that since you have already experienced the utility that follows from sending those cloves to the East, and using this merchandise for other purposes and trade, you shall continue to do so.  You shall always send the detailed account about which you have been advised, of everything that will be of importance in this matter.  Whenever any case of doubt occurs to you in regard to the ceremonious observance due your office, send the proposition that you shall have made in the assembly, together with what resolution shall have been made regarding it, so that after examination here, just measures may be ordered; for in no other manner could any decision be reached without depending on the Audiencia.  In order to gain time, letters are being written to the Audiencia ordering them, in accordance with what has been done at other times, to maintain with you, in the condition of affairs at present, the amicable relations and the respect due your office and person; and to observe toward you and your wife such ceremonies as have been observed hitherto, and as are the custom.  When there is any doubt about the matter, I shall be consulted, so that, having examined it thoroughly, I may provide what is advisable for the public peace and for decorous relations between the president and Audiencia. (Note for a separate paper.)” [25]]

14th.  Although it is my desire to restrain myself in this particular, in order not to drag on this letter to greater length, and for other considerations, certain of my obligations move me to say the things that I cannot avoid, because I have heard that the auditors claim that your Majesty should take from the office of governor and captain-general and president, the declaration and trial of suits that concern government and war—­which your Majesty conceded to him, on account of those which were being tried then, and

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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 19 of 55 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.