former condition--as is well known to those who have an experience
of both past and present conditions. Therefore, if the Indians are
not allowed to take breath, and do not receive some relief, they must
necessarily feel the burden more and more each day; for we permit land,
though it be arable and fitted to be sown and reaped, to lie fallow,
and do not exhaust it year after year. How much more with sentient
human beings; for either they will endeavor to be rid of the burden
(as, without citing other cases, was attempted but lately in Cagayan),
or they will perish under it, for it will compass their ruin, and we
ourselves shall feel the want of them, as is plainly evident. This
has been clearly manifested on the one hand, in the diminution
of tributes, the great wretchedness, and the many deaths among the
natives in Ylocos and other districts; and on the other hand in the
scarcity and dearness of that which can least easily be dispensed with,
and which is most essential--namely, rice and food supplies. Although
these advance to outrageous prices from year to year, yet even so the
necessary amount cannot be obtained, and there is a deficit both for
your Majesty's service and for individuals, whether rich or poor;
and, in short, for both Spaniards and natives. The latter are the
ones who can endure the scarcity least, for among them result from it
great want, slavery, sickness, and many deaths. Since things are come
to such a pass, much heed must be given to the importance of reform,
and to what may be feared if there is none. Therefore, in order that a
reform be instituted, two things, Sire, are extremely needful: first,
the wise appointment and choice of men for the offices--including
with this what is by far the most essential point, and the absence
of which is most felt, severe punishment for delinquent officials;
and second, that the superfluous and unnecessary officials should
be dismissed, for thus there will be fewer to plunder and offend
these new and tender plants. These evil acts constitute a great
hindrance to the increase of this harvest so pleasing to God, and
so much sought after by your Majesty. The harvest would be greater,
were there fewer evil acts and more virtue in these regions. Besides,
if the offices were few it would be easier to find the needed few
with the good qualities requisite for these offices than to find such
persons to fill so many offices as there are at present. Then too,
fewer abuses