might be advantageous to send troops to Acapulco via the Isthmus of
Panama. He points out various dangers from the proposed suppression
of he Philippine-Mexican trade.

The bishop of Nueva Segovia writes (August 15, 1613), apparently
to some high official at the Spanish court, asking that aid may be
furnished to the recently founded college of Santo Tomás. Soria
complains of the Jesuits and the governor, who are opposing the
Dominicans. More priests of that order (to which the writer belongs)
are needed in the islands. Soria makes various accusations against
the Augustinians and their leading officials, and recommends Aduarte
and his mission to his correspondent's favor.

Felipe III writes to Silva (December 2, 1613), directing him to send
to Mexico all the quicksilver that he can procure in China. The
king approves Silva's acts in regard to Chinese immigration, and
investigation of corrupt officials. He asks for further information
as to Japanese trade, the treatment of the Indians by the religious,
etc. One of the royal councils makes recommendations to the king--by
communications dated respectively June 28, 1613, and July 1, 1616--that
for the aged archbishop of Manila shall be appointed a coadjutor, who
shall receive one-third of the former's stipend, with certain fees. An
abstract of a letter from the Jesuit Ledesma to Felipe III (August 20,
1616) presents a gloomy view of the condition of the islands. Their
trade has greatly decreased; the expeditions against the Dutch have
nearly ruined the citizens; the Indians are exhausted by the burdens
and taxes levied upon them; and the islands are in constant peril
and are frequently harassed by their numerous enemies. The king is
asked to send aid for the colony without delay.