ves and
others, and to companies; and because they only come to invest the same
and return. On this account the prices of merchandise have risen more
than fifty per cent. After investing their money, the commanders and
masters, because of a money consideration, take these merchants back
to Nueva Espana, without it being possible to institute any reform.

The bishops say that it is advisable that they should not go [to
the islands] unless for the purpose of becoming actual citizens,
for there the difficulties referred to in this point exist.

_Fourth point_

That the fund for the pay of the troops be placed in the treasury on a
separate account, and that the said troops be paid therefrom, and from
no other account, in order to avoid the disadvantages that result,
and the many offenses and injuries committed by the soldiers under
stress of their necessities and the opportunities that arise. This
would provide a source for what money might be necessary, not only
for the equipment of ships, and provision of ammunition and other
military supplies, but for the pay of the soldiers, which is now
spent in other things.

The bishops declare this to be inconvenient, and that the half-real
which is given for the prebendaries should also be placed in the
treasury on a separate account.

_Fifth point_

That the cabildo, magistracy, and regimiento of Manila be ordered to
allot annually the lading of the vessels to the citizens of Manila,
for much harm has resulted to the citizens from the governor allotting
it--the lading being made illegally, and the governor having allotted
it to many of his servants and relatives to the prejudice of the
citizens and those born in this country. By this method the allotment
would be honestly made without wrong to any one.

The bishops say that if his Majesty orders the consulate to be
established in Manila, in such case it would be advisable for
the consuls to make the allotment; and the governor cannot feel
aggrieved thereby, since the consuls must navigate the vessels with
the freight-money. However, if there are no consuls, it should be
determined that the cabildo make the allotment, even though the
governor be aggrieved.

The licentiate _Alonso Fernandez de Castro_

Various Memoranda

The question of limiting and restricting the trade between the
Philipmas and Mexico has been discussed recently, and two points
touching this have been determined: one, that it is not advisable for