is by nature excessively addicted to gambling.  It seems conformable to reason that if they are not permitted to play during the year, it be conceded to them for their festival, which is the time of their holidays.  Your Majesty has ordered that the infidels be allowed to live according to their own customs in everything which is not contrary to natural law, or opposed to the good example of the Christians in whose land they live.  It seems very conformable to law and to good government to keep these men contented and quiet, and this is being done.  This country cannot get along without infidel Sangleys, for they are the ones who bring us food from China.  Consequently, it is necessary to allow them to live in their own manner in all things which are not prejudicial to the faith and to the light of reason.  Gaming is a matter of indifference, and although it is true that, if it be indulged in to excess, the troubles follow which are experienced in these Sangleys, yet those troubles are not to be laid to the one who gives them the permission to indulge reasonably in a diversion.  It is known as a well-ascertained fact that the Sangleys will gamble, whether with or without license; and that there are not wanting citizens, and even sons and relatives of auditors, who will shield them for it.  Hence I have considered it as less troublesome to give them a moderate permission (such as that which is granted to them for their festival), and to try to prevent the danger of incurring other and greater troubles by making the Sangleys restless and discontented, and gaming secretly all the year in the houses or gateways of private persons.  It is true that some friars have preached against this; but I ordered one of them, who is considered as the most learned, to give me in writing his reasons for opposing this.  Having also consulted with my confessor and with other theologians, who Were of opinion that this was not a matter for burdening the conscience (and I do not know why the auditors should think that the religious who gave this opinion allowed themselves to be carried away by their desire to natter me, charging their own consciences in order to save mine), I am rather persuaded that he who preached the contrary was induced to do so by his own or another’s prejudice in opposition to the government.  The opinions of both sides are in my possession, with full relation of everything that there is bearing on this subject.  If your Majesty wish, they can be sent you very easily; and I would have done so immediately, if they had not reminded me of this complaint at so critical a time.

The foundation for the complaint of the auditors that the governor does not allow them to visit the provinces.