large amount
that is withdrawn and would be withdrawn for the benefit of a foreign
kingdom, and because these kingdoms [Spain and Portugal] lose that
whole amount, their trade being more profitable for the common good,
on account of the excellence of its wares, which in their lasting
qualities more than make up for the difference in price; neither
is this the best means for the settlement of the said islands,
since they serve only as a lading-station for this trade, and it
proves a hindrance to the settlers by being of no assistance in
whatever concerns their permanence and fixed residence: therefore,
having carefully considered this as well as other inconveniences
set forth, it has seemed best to discontinue this trade with the
Philipinas Islands and China, since, even besides the aforesaid, it
has evidently caused delay in despatching the fleets, as must be the
case if this sort of cargo continues to diminish. Since the present
is a fitting occasion to furnish a remedy, as so important a matter
demands, I order you--after considering the aforesaid points and others
of which you may be advised (since the matter is a current one), and
difficulties that might arise, if you find, to the contrary, no others
so important as to overbalance them--to give orders that there be no
further trade or importation of the said merchandise and Chinese wares
to that land for the purpose of sale. You will have the merchants
engaged in this commerce advised and notified of this decree. You
will provide for its public proclamation, indicating the penalty to
be incurred by those who bring in contraband goods. If you find in
the execution thereof such special difficulties, as above-mentioned,
as oblige you to desist, you will inform me of what occurs, together
with your opinion, taking in the meantime such measures as shall seem
to you most advisable. Given at Sant Lorenco, on the nineteenth of
June in the year one thousand five hundred and eighty-six.

I, The King

Countersigned, Matheo Vargas
Approved by the Council.

[_A separate sheet reads as follows_: "His Majesty has ordered me
to send your Lordship the enclosed copy of deliberations of the
Council of the Indias, and the papers accompanying it, concerning
the trade and commerce between the Filipinas Islands and China,
so that, together with any that your Lordship may have concerning
this matter, everything enacted may be examined personally. Your
Lordship will advise his Maje