affairs of the islands are in better condition, the Audiencia of Manila
may be discontinued, as the auditors embarrass and hinder his efforts,
and are not competent to fulfil their duties. The religious also make
the governor's duties a burden; and their exactions from the Indians
prevent the latter from serving the crown. The Dutch know betters
how to deal with the natives; they exempt the latter from tributes,
personal services, and religious instruction. Little has been done in
opening the Igorrote mines--a task which Fajardo is warned to push
forward. He has sent troops and supplies safely to Ternate. He is
having much trouble in regard to the residencia of his predecessor,
the late Juan de Silva; and complains of the shelter and countenance
given to Auditor Messa by the Dominicans. Fajardo recounts various
matters of government and his procedure therein; also the annoyances
and hindrances which he experiences from the friars. He commends,
however, the Jesuits and their work, suggesting that more of them
should be sent to the islands. He is perplexed and hindered by the
lack of soldiers, but is doing his best with his small forces. The
Council orders the viceroy of Nueva España to send every year to
Filipinas all the reenforcements in his power.

The archbishop of Manila sends to the king (July 30, 1621) an
account of ecclesiastical and some other affairs in his diocese. He
asks permission to hold an ecclesiastical council, and to hold the
feast of Corpus Christi at some other and more convenient date than
it has on the calendar. He complains of the poverty of the Manila
cathedral, and asks for aid; also of the governor's failure to consult
him regarding appointments to prebends, and of the incapacity for
canonical offices of certain royal appointees. Serrano commends the
members of his chapter, some of them individually and by name. The
two colleges in Manila are training so many students that they