and spasmodic efforts are made to restrict it; but corrupt and lax
officials render these of little use. The difficulties involved in
the Chinese trade and its economic effects on the Spanish colonies
are still discussed, but without any satisfactory solution to the
problem. The gold mines in northern Luzón are explored and tested,
but with meager results.

A Jesuit at Manila, Alonso Roman, gives the "news from Filipinas"
for 1621. He recounts the persecution of Christians that is still
continuing in Japan, with many martyrdoms. Various encounters between
the Dutch and English occur until, an alliance being concluded between
Holland and England, their ships unite to prey on the commerce of
China, Portuguese India, and the Philippines. The writer relates
several naval encounters, and captures of trading ships. In one of
these the Chinese, pouring melted sugar on the enemy, "sent fourteen
of the Dutch in a conserve to hell." Roman concludes his letter with
an account of the tragedy in which Governor Fajardo slays his wife and
her lover (May 11, 1621)--the latter being a renegade Jesuit, named
Joan de Messa. Another account of this affair adds some minor details.

Fajardo sends his annual despatches to the king (July 21, 1621). He
describes his measures for the prompter despatch of the trading-fleet
to Nueva España, and the recent hostile demonstration made by the Dutch
and English at Manila Bay. He takes all precautions for defense against
them, but is unable to attack them, owing to his lack of troops--a
deficiency which he proceeds to explain. Thus far, the enemy have done
little harm, especially as Fajardo promptly warned the Chinese, and
other trading countries near by, of their arrival. He learns of other
hostile fleets that are preparing to attack the islands, and takes
all possible precautions for their defense. He asks that, until the