econd, the person who
should make the journey; third, the necessity for convening other
assemblies in order to treat more clearly and more specifically
the matters which needed attention in detail. As the president and
auditors could not be absent from their regular occupations, it was
decided that thereafter should assemble for this purpose the bishop
of the islands with one or two prebends to represent the cabildo of
the church; one of the officials of the royal exchequer; the mariscal
of Bonbon; the master-of-camp, with two other captains, in behalf of
the military; two regidors with two other citizens, representing the
cabildo and city, and some procuradors from other towns of the island;
the three superiors of the religious communities; and other religious
men therefrom, who are learned, seniors in their houses, and men of
experience in the affairs of the country. The president, auditors,
and fiscal should be present at those times and hours when, as often
happened, they were free from official duties. With the persons thus
chosen, these assemblies and conferences were held for many days, and
the proceedings were conducted with great care and deliberation. The
following brief summaries of their conclusions were made, furnishing
a more clear and intelligible review of these to the father [Alonso
Sanchez] already mentioned and appointed, that he might carry these
notes with him and thus give further information to his Majesty.) [37]

Chapter first. Of what concerns the spiritual affairs of Manila and
the Filipinas

1. _That the cathedral of Manila is constructed of wood and straw,
and has nothing for other buildings or for ornaments._ [38] First:
It was declared and resolved that his Majesty should be informed
that the cathedral of these islands has no buildings, ornaments,
or suitable equipment for divine worship; nor has it any income or
contributions for these purposes, or for sacristan, verger, or other
necessary assistants. And being built of wood and straw, as it is,
and so poor, weatherbeaten, and deprived of necessities, it is a
reproach and a cause of loss to our faith and Christian religion,
and to our state and the men who rule the state, and even to the
majesty and greatness of its king and sovereign--since we are in the
gaze of so many pagans (both natives and foreigners), who come here
from many regions, especially China, and who see and take note of this.

2. _That nothing is paid to the bisho