even then, it is an expensive and undesirable enterprise for the Spaniards to maintain a fort there, as the island of Formosa is of little importance for its products, and there would be no advantage in making it a way-station for the Chinese trade.  To attempt this would but shift thither the scene of hostilities with the Dutch, and impose new burdens on the already overtaxed people of the Philippines.  It is useless to keep the island as a port of refuge for the Spanish ships; there is danger that the Chinese will attack it; and even for the conversion of the heathen the king is not under obligations to do more than is required by his subjects in the Philippines.

The Jesuit chronicle of events for 1627-28 has much of interest.  In July and August, 1627, Tavora equips an expedition to expel the Dutch from Formosa; but it sails too late, and is compelled by storms to return to Cavite, some of the vessels being lost.  One of the ships reaches the Spanish fort in Formosa, only to find that one of its officers and some of his men have been slain by treacherous natives.  The ship supplies the garrison with the food of which they are in need, and returns to Luzon.  Soon afterward a richly-laden Portuguese fleet sails from Manila to Macao, and two Spanish galleons are sent with it as escort, to defend it from the Dutch.  The galleons, on the return from Macao, pursue a semi-piratical career for several months, capturing several Siamese vessels with valuable cargoes, by way of reprisal for the injuries inflicted on Spaniards in Siam; and taking other prizes, not all of which are regarded as lawful.

The Christian religion is flourishing in China.  The coasts of that country are infested by pirates, who even capture and destroy towns.  The noted stone of Singanfu has been discovered, making known the early establishment of Christianity in China.  The Manchu foe Noorhachu is dead.  In Formosa the Chinese are making inquiries as to the Spanish occupation; and the commandant Carreno rescues the mandarin envoy from hostile natives.  The relief expedition to Ternate is attacked by a Dutch ship, the Spaniards losing two vessels.  The Camucones pirates are repulsed this year.  Some strange people, probably from distant islands, are blown ashore on Cebu.  A shipyard is established in Camarines; it is attacked and plundered by Joloan pirates.  Accordingly a Spanish expedition is sent against them from Oton and Cebu; and the Joloans are heavily punished, their finest town being destroyed and their ships and supplies of rice burned.  The revolted province of Cagayan (Luzon), is also entered and laid waste.  Several destructive fires occur, among the losses being that of the Parian at Manila—­which is, however, rebuilt within four months.

Another relation for the same period contains some additional information.  An earthquake occurs in northern Luzon.  Two Spanish galleys enter and reconnoiter the Dutch port on Formosa; then a storm drives them back to Luzon, and finally destroys them.  The old king of Ternate, who has been captive at Manila for many years, at last dies there.