España to China via Manila still causes alarm; but it is evident
that the suppression of the trade between Acapulco and Manila is
not an infallible remedy for this difficulty. As it is, the islands
are suffering from the injuries to their trade that the Dutch have
inflicted, and from the ruinous expenses caused by their wars with
these persistent enemies. No less do the Indians suffer from the
exactions levied upon them for the public works and defense; but the
home government attempts to lessen these burdens, and protect the
natives from oppression. The missions of the Jesuits are reported
as making rapid progress; and statistics of the work conducted by
them and by the other religious orders give a view of the general
missionary field. The Dominicans begin their college of Santo Tomás
at Manila; and their officials urge upon the king the suppression of
the Audiencia. The relations between the various orders appear to be
not strictly harmonious. The power of the Spaniards in the Orient,
and the future of the Philippine colony, are seriously menaced by
the increasing gains of the Dutch in the Moluccas.

Various laws regarding the navigation and commerce of the Philippines
are presented, in chronological order, dated 1583-1609. The sale of
merchandise by _pancada_ is to be retained, and regulations are made
therefor. Trade between the American colonies with China or Filipinas
is prohibited; and the citizens of Filipinas are granted a monopoly of
the trade to Nueva España. But this is limited to a specified amount
and only two ships may be sent annually. The goods thus sent to Nueva
España must be consumed there. Copies of the merchandise registers of
these vessels must be sent to the Council of the Indias. Persons who
have been exiled to Filipinas must be compelled to reside there. No
slaves may be taken thence to Nueva España, except a small and
specified number allowed as servants of royal officials. The number of