from a letter written (November 15) by the viceroy, after referring to
the success of the efforts made to sustain the Spanish colony in the
Philippines, and to propagate the Christian faith among the natives
there, indicate the desirability of continuing the trade begun with
China. Through this agency, his Majesty's subjects in the colonies
are benefited, and (a still more important consideration) an open
door for the entrance of the Christian faith into that heathen land
is secured. If the Chinese trade be cut off, the Spanish population
of the Philippines cannot be maintained, and the natives will rebel
against their conquerors. The encomenderos depend upon the Chinese
for clothing and food, and for the opportunity to dispose of the
goods received from the Indians as tributes. In view of all these
considerations, the viceroy has abrogated the royal decree for the
present, and has, besides, ordered the collection of a heavy duty on
all cloth imported from Spain to Mexico.

A brief of Sixtus V (November 15, 1586) erects into a province the
former custodia of the Franciscan friars in the Philippines.

The viceroy of Mexico advises the home government (February 8,
1587) to encourage the merchants who carry on the Philippine trade,
especially by selling to them ships made in the royal shipyards.

Santiago de Vera, governor of the Philippines, writes to the king
(June 26, 1587). He entreats that more soldiers be sent, and that
they be supplied with food and other necessaries; for, as those
hitherto sent have received no food or pay, most of them have died
from their privations, or from the unhealthful climate. In view of the
recent destruction of the city of Manila by fire, Vera has forbidden
the people to build any more houses of wood, obliging them to use