difficulties, the government is also embarrassed by the poverty of
the local treasury; its funds are wasted by unnecessary expenses and
salaries, and lessened by frauds in the customs duties, and by other
violations of the laws regarding trade. There are too many officials,
both secular and religious; and the former are often incompetent or
corrupt. The Indians are demoralized by having learned the use of
the white men's money; their native industries are neglected, which
causes scarcity and high prices of goods and supplies. New impulse
and wider scope are given to the missions conducted by the Jesuits,
who begin the task of gathering the scattered Indian converts into
mission villages, thus more easily to civilize and christianize the
natives. A new governor for the islands is appointed, Pedro de Acuña.

In this volume is completed the document begun in _Vol_. X, "Ordinances
of the Audiencia enacted in 1598-99;" here are presented those for the
first half of the year 1599. The alcaldes-mayor must, in collecting the
taxes, observe the royal tariffs. To remedy the exorbitant charges for
fees in the inferior courts, all suits appealed to the Audiencia must
be accompanied by a sworn statement of the fees thus paid. The bonds
accepted in law-suits must be more reliable. Auditors are given special
powers in expediting the cases of persons imprisoned. Interpreters
are not allowed to trade with the natives, except in the presence of
a magistrate. The accounts of guardians of minors shall be examined
by the probate judge. Attorneys are restricted in bringing new suits
between Indians. Goods sold at auction for the benefit of the royal
treasury must be knocked down to the highest bidder, and for cash
only. Lawyers are ordered to follow the customs of the natives,
where these are involved in lawsuits. Collection of tributes shall
not be made by the alcaldes-mayor; and appointments for the post of
collector must be approved by the Audiencia. Various acts prescribe