revealed. The coming (in 1581) of the zealous and intrepid bishop,
Domingo de Salazar, was a red-letter day for the natives of the
islands. The Spanish conquerors are ruthlessly oppressing the Indians,
caring but little for the opposition made by the friars; but Salazar
exerts as far as possible his ecclesiastical authority, and, besides,
vigorously urges the king to shield those unfortunate victims of
Spanish rapacity. Various humane laws are accordingly enacted for the
protection of the natives; but of course this interference by the
bishop occasions a bitter hostility between the ecclesiastical and
the secular powers--perhaps never to be quieted. With Salazar come
Jesuit fathers, who establish in the islands the missionary work of
that order. In 1582 Japanese pirates begin to threaten Luzón, but are
defeated and held in check by the Spanish troops. In 1583 occur two
most notable events: one of these is the appointment for the islands
of a royal Audiencia, or high court of justice--especially ordered
by the king to watch over and shield the Indians; the other is the
opening there of a branch of the Inquisition or Holy Office. Fuller
details of all these matters are herewith given in the usual synopsis
of documents.

In a letter dated June 16, 1582, Governor Peñalosa reports that the
conversion of the natives is making good progress, but there are not
enough missionaries. He recommends that a convent be established in
every city and village; and that missionaries be sent directly from
the mother-country, rather than from New Spain, as in the latter case
they soon become discontented after coming to the Philippines. He
complains because the Franciscans have gone to China; he renews the
plea advanced by former officials for the conquest of that country, but
regards the present Spanish force in the Philippines as inadequate for
that purpose. Meanwhile, he is endeavoring to strengthen the colony,