demoralized, and in bad health. Military stores are badly
cared for; the very arquebuses in the armory are rotting, and there is
no preparation for emergencies. The ordinary magistrates pillage the
treasury, are oppressive, indolent, and corrupt, and take advantage
of their position to traffic; they are not sharply looked after. The
encomenderos are extortionate and fraudulent, take law into their own
hands, and fail to provide religious instruction for the Indians. The
royal exchequer and treasury is negligently and wastefully managed,
and insufficiently regulated. There are many sinecures, and not a
little fraud in offices. In the voyages to and from Mexico, many
frauds and illegal acts are committed by the officers of the vessels.

An interesting complement to Morga's report--all the more so because
it is apparently written by an ecclesiastic--is found in a document
unsigned and undated (but probably of 1598) which enumerates the
reforms needed in the islands. The writer advises that the usual
inspection of encomenderos and officials be made by the prelates
of the church, rather than, as hitherto, by laymen appointed by
the governor. He urges that fewer offices be provided, and that
each should have more extensive jurisdiction. The present system
is a heavy and increasing burden on the wretched Indians, who are
in danger of perishing; and causes much unnecessary waste to the
royal exchequer. The city should establish a storehouse, where rice
and other supplies should be kept in store for times of need. Thus
the natives would not be harassed, often at most unseasonable times,
to supply provisions for the Spaniards; both peoples can be aided in
times of famine, and prices can be better regulated. More care should
be used in selecting men to collect the tributes from the Indians;
and their appointment, as well as that of the lay protector of the
Indians, should be approved by the archbishop. The Indians who are
engaged in various labors for the Spaniards are often kept waiting
a long time for their pay, or even cheated out of it; when such pay
is due them, it should be sent to them promptly and safely. Rewards
should be given to deserving soldiers; and the troops should no longer
be recruited with exiles and criminals. The troops should be paid
more liberally and punctually; and one meal a day should be given to
the poor Spaniards, whether soldiers or not. The soldiers, moreover,
should be paid from the time of their ar