A letter from Felipe III--who has succeeded his father on the
Spanish throne--to the archbishop of Manila (March, 1599) refers
to the latter certain complaints sent from Manila regarding some
Augustinian teaching friars.

Bishop Benavides writes (May 17, 1599) to the king, informing him of
the death of the new archbishop, and complaining of the acts of the
governor and Audiencia in sending a ship to trade with China--from
which all kinds of evils, spiritual and temporal, would result to
Macao and the Philippines.

Benavides writes to the king's secretary (May 22, 1599) urging that
a new governor be appointed for the islands; and he recommends for
that post several persons. He asks that no ships be allowed to go from
the Philippines to China, as that will ruin the Portuguese who trade
there. He complains of the undue power exercised by the bishops over
the religious orders; and that he receives so little salary that he
cannot live decently on it.

A brief statement of the religious houses established in Luzón up
to June 28, 1599, is made by Gerónimo de Alcaraz, secretary of the
cathedral chapter of Manila. A long report on military affairs was sent
(July 12, 1599) by Tello to the king. He urges that annual supplies of
men and arms be sent to the Philippines from Nueva España, adducing
many important reasons for this. The Spanish colony is surrounded by
many and powerful heathen countries, who are hostile to the Christian
faith. The insalubrious climate and various military expeditions are
continually causing losses of men. Artillery and skilled workmen are
greatly needed; and the fortifications need repair. The government of
Nueva España has given little attention to the needs of the Philippine