Christianity in the archipelago--stating that the conversions therein
now number 400,000. A supernatural appearance of a dead man's spirit,
who describes the delights of the Christian heaven, is related in
detail; this leads to many conversions among the natives, but some
declare that "because there were Castilian soldiers in glory, they
did not care to go thither, because they did not wish the soldiers'
company." The products of the islands, and the articles imported from
China, are enumerated, with mention of some current prices for produce.

A general junta, or assembly, of the estates of Manila--the church, the
religious orders, the army, the royal service, and the citizens--is
held on April 20, 1586; and a statement of their grievances and
needs (signed on July 26) is sent to the home government by the
hands of Father Alonso Sánchez, a Jesuit. They complain that the
cathedral church has no suitable building, equipment, or provision
for its services; and there is no means of support for the bishop
and the clergy. They ask that tithes shall be paid, or else that the
prebends be replaced by a few curates, who shall care for the souls
of the Spaniards and their Indian servants. The royal hospital and
that for the Indians are both in great destitution, and should be
aided by royal bounty. More religious instructors are needed; and,
in order to support them, more tribute should be required from the
Indians, and the encomenderos should be compelled to pay tithes. The
city of Manila demands some public property, with which to meet its
necessary expenses; and the abolition of the duties hitherto imposed
on commerce. They ask that the commutation of the royal fifth to
one-tenth be made perpetual; and that offices and encomiendas be
bestowed only on actual residents, who have rendered services in the
islands. Workmen and mechanics in Manila should be paid there, and
not in Mexico; a special official should be placed in charge of the