endured by the Indians, who are continually oppressed by the Spanish
officials placed over them. An affidavit made by some Indian chiefs
relates their grievances. As a result of this ill-treatment, the
native villages are rapidly being depopulated.

A letter from the royal factor in the Philippines, Juan Baptista Roman
(June 25, 1582), relates the encounter of the Spaniards with some
Japanese pirates who have raided the province of Cagayan in Luzón,
and implores speedy aid from Mexico against this enemy. A letter
evidently written by Peñalosa, although unsigned (July 1, 1582),
mentions the fight with the Japanese, and asks for reënforcements
of troops. More funds are also needed for extra expenses incurred,
and especially for emergencies which often arise in the islands.

Two papal decrees (September 15 and October 20, 1582) found the
Philippine province of the Dominican order, and grant indulgences
to those who go thither as missionaries. An unsigned document
(1582?) enumerates the "offices saleable" in the Philippine Islands;
and recommends some changes in the methods of filling them, in view of
the prevalent abuses. Captain Gabriel de Ribera addresses (1583?) to
some high official a letter complaining that Peñalosa's administration
is a bad one, and injurious to the welfare of the islands.

In the same year Bishop Salazar writes a memorial regarding affairs
in the islands, for the information of the king and his royal Council
of the Indias. He begins by describing the present scarcity of food
supplies in Luzón. This is the result of sending to work in the mines
the Indians of Pampanga, which province has hitherto been the granary
of the island. The Spaniards also compel the natives to work in the
galleys, and at many other tasks, so that they have no opportunity to