cade of last century direct communication with Mexico was
maintained by the State galleons, termed the _Naos de Acapulco_. The
first sailings of the galleons were to Navidad, but for over two
centuries Acapulco was the port of destination on the Mexican side, and
this inter-communication with New Spain only ceased a few years before
that Colony threw off its allegiance to the mother country. But it was
not alone the troubled state of political affairs which brought about
the discontinuance of the galleons' voyages, although the subsequent
secession of Mexico would have produced this effect. The expense of
this means of intercourse was found to be bearing too heavily upon
the scanty resources of the Exchequer, for the condition of Spain's
finances had never, at any period, been so lamentable.

The Commander of the State _Nao_ had the title of General, with a
salary of P40,000 per annum. The chief officer received P25,000 a
year. The quarter-master was remunerated with 9 per cent, on the value
of the merchandise shipped, and this amounted to a very considerable
sum per voyage.

The last State galleon left Manila for Mexico in 1811, and the last
sailing from Acapulco for Manila was in 1815.

These ships are described as having been short fore and aft, but
of great beam, light draught, and, when afloat, had a half-moon
appearance, being considerably elevated at bows and stern. They were
of 1,500 tons burden, had four decks, and carried guns.

The Gov.-General, the clergy, the civil functionaries, troops,
prisoners, and occasionally private persons, took passage in these
ships to and from the Philippines. It was practically the Spanish Mail.

The Colony had no coin of its own. [112] It was simply a dependency
of Mexico; and all that it brought in tribute and taxes to its Royal
Treasury belonged to the Crown, and was at the King's disposal. For
many years these payments were made wholly--and afterwards
partially--in kind, and were kept in the Royal Stores. As the junks
from China arrived each spring, this colonial produce belonging to the
Crown was bartered for Chinese wares and manufactures. These goods,
packed in precisely 1,500 bales, each of exactly the same size,
constituted the official cargo, and were remitted to Mexico by the
annual galleon. The surplus space in the ship was at the disposal of
a few chosen merchants who formed the "_Consulado_,"--a trading ring
which required each member to have resided in the Co