and Spanish; the number of Spanish troops, also of encomiendas and
tributarios; the number of convents and their inmates; the religious
and ecclesiastics, not only those resident, but those needed among
the natives; the officials employed by the government; the Chinese
immigrants and their occupations; the articles for sale in the public
market; and the imports and exports at Manila. The writer relates many
things of interest regarding the natural resources and products of the
country, the mode of life of both Spaniards and natives, the means of
defense possessed by the colony, the Indians who are not as yet under
Spanish rule. All this affords a valuable and curiously interesting
picture of the colony and its life; but Salazar, in presenting it,
is mainly concerned with the great need of more religious instruction
for the natives, and earnestly entreats the king to send more friars
and ecclesiastics for the purpose.

A letter from Santiago de Vera to the king (dated June 26, 1588)
gives his report for the past year. He recounts the exploits of the
English adventurer Candish against Spanish commerce. Hereafter the
ships which carry goods from the Philippines will be armed with cannon
and other means of defense. Vera asks for more artillery with which
to defend the islands, which are menaced by great dangers in their
present weak condition. He has built some galleys, but would prefer
some light ships for navigation among the islands. The new fort at
Manila is described; it will, when completed, be sufficient defense
for the city. The governor also enumerates the artillery which he
has, and asks that more be provided by the home government. He has
punished the royal officials for engaging in trade. Vera advises
that the sale of certain public offices be deferred for some years,
until the colony shall be more prosperous.