and ducats
from anchorage alone; this is the fee for the privilege of anchoring
the ship. The lure of the cheapness of the merchandise overcomes
all other considerations. This hinders the prosperity of the people,
and furnishes them no aid in the most important thing, namely, the
settlement of the islands, and the discovery and operation of the gold
mines there. We came to the conclusion that the trade and commerce
of the said islands, as far as the said merchandise is concerned,
should be abolished, and that these wares should not be carried to
Nueva Espana or other parts of the Indias, in order that the trade of
these kingdoms--a most important matter--may continue. A communication
to this effect should be addressed to the viceroy of Nueva Espana,
recounting to him the aforesaid disadvantages; and advising him that,
unless he shall encounter other obstacles so great as to prevent
him from taking such action, he should prohibit the traffic in the
above-mentioned merchandise from China, and order the cessation of
such commerce with that country. If he find too great difficulties
in the way, then he should give advice thereof, together with his
opinion. In the meantime, he should make such provision as he shall
find most expedient. To save time, the decree in accordance with
this recommendation accompanies the present communication; and it
shall be sent by this fleet, if your Majesty will have the goodness
to sign it. Madrid, June 17, 1586.

[_Marginal note_: "This recommendation is excellent, and I have
therefore signed the decree. I shall also endorse all that you shall
say in regard to it in the Council, and what the members thereof
shall approve:"]

Decree Regarding Chinese Trade

The King: To the Marques de Villamanrrique, my kinsman, and viceroy,
governor, and captain-general of Nueva Espana. [55] Having understood
that the silks brought from China and the Philipinas Islands to your
realms are quite worthless, but that nevertheless, because of the
low price set upon them, they are sold and distributed; and because,
if that trade continues, the trade in cloth exported from these realms
would cease or be greatly decreased; and also that these silks, like
other articles brought thence (all of which are of trifling value,
and of no profit to the country), are bartered only for gold, silver,
or coin, for there is abundance of everything else there--a matter,
too, of considerable importance, both on account of the