Dutch power seems to be waning in those seas.  But the only effective check upon the Dutch enemy is found in the Spanish establishments in the Philippines and Moluccas, for which Tavora urges more systematic and reliable aid from the home government—­not only for the sake of the Philippine colony, but even more for that of all India, which is in danger of ruin if the heretics be not held back.  The governor has made a successful beginning of shipbuilding for the islands, in the country of Camboja.  Certain disputed matters connected with the military service are referred to the king.

Some ecclesiastical affairs are also mentioned.  The archbishop-elect has had some difficulties in securing possession of his see, and the Audiencia has decided against him.  The religious orders refuse to obey the royal decree as to changes and appointments of missionaries.  The see of Camarines has long been vacant; Tavora suggests that this diocese be abolished, annexing its territory to those of Cebu and Manila.  The religious orders are in peaceable condition.  More missionaries are needed in the islands but Tavora urges that more care be exercised in selecting them.  He asserts that his solicitude in this respect has incurred the ill-will of the friars toward him.

The usual Jesuit chronicle is furnished for the years 1630-32.  The writer notes the general peace enjoyed by the Philippine colony, who have not been molested of late by the Dutch; also the rebellion (now being quelled) of the Indians in Caraga.  The Japanese offer to reopen trade with Manila; but this writer regards all their friendly proposals as a veil for intended treachery toward the Spaniards.  The persecution of Christian teachers and converts in Japan is still furious; and this subject occupies most of the document, in a letter from a Jesuit in that country, Father Christoval Ferreira, to the Manila provincial.  This relates the tortures inflicted on five priests and two women, but without avail, to induce them to give up the Christian faith; also the martyrdoms of many others.  This account is of peculiar and pathetic interest because its writer, Ferreira, was the only one of the Jesuits arrested in Japan who became, under the strain of torture, an apostate; this occurred a year after he wrote the letter.

The ecclesiastical cabildo of Manila write to the king (1632), urging that royal aid be given to the cathedral, in consideration of its poverty and needs.  They complain that the highest positions in the diocese are filled by friars, to the neglect and discouragement of the native-born seculars who are being educated in the two universities at Manila.  The cathedral needs a permanent subsidy for its current provision of wine, etc., and a special grant to finish its sacristy.  Its service is painfully inadequate; to save the expense of salaries for additional canons, the cabildo recommend that some of the missions and benefices now held by the religious orders be turned