The establishment of the college of Santo Tomás at Manila is begun
in 1611 by the Dominicans, its foundation being a bequest left for
this purpose by the late Archbishop Benavides, and certain other
legacies. The articles of establishment and the endowment are
presented, showing the funds, location, management, and character
of the institution. It is provided, among other things, that if any
ecclesiastical or secular power should claim jurisdiction over the
conduct or property of the college, all the possessions of the college
shall become the absolute property of the Dominican order and province.

The bishop of Nueva Caceres asks the king (July 20, 1611) for aid for
the hospital there. In the same year, the king writes several letters
to Silva. He orders the governor (November 12) to restrain, but with
prudence, the arrogance of the religious; to check evasions of the
laws regarding commerce, and to make certain regulations regarding the
Mexican trade; to continue the prohibition of Japanese from residing in
the islands; and to cease the military training hitherto given to the
natives. On November 20 he sends an order to Silva to set at liberty
van Caerden and other Dutchmen held captive in Manila, provided they
shall not have given any cause for being recaptured. On December
19 he commands Silva to keep a squadron of ships on guard near the
Luzón coast, to prevent the Dutch from plundering the vessels that
go to the islands for trade. Letters from the king to the Dominican
provincial at Manila (December 31) warn him to correct the lawless
and disobedient proceedings of certain of his friars; to maintain
amicable relations with the governor; and not to allow his friars to
go to Japan without the governor's permission (commands of like import
with this last being sent also to the provincials of the other orders).

Interesting statistics of the houses and missions of the various