issionaries are needed in the islands but Tavora urges that more
care be exercised in selecting them. He asserts that his solicitude
in this respect has incurred the ill-will of the friars toward him.

The usual Jesuit chronicle is furnished for the years 1630-32. The
writer notes the general peace enjoyed by the Philippine colony,
who have not been molested of late by the Dutch; also the rebellion
(now being quelled) of the Indians in Caraga. The Japanese offer to
reopen trade with Manila; but this writer regards all their friendly
proposals as a veil for intended treachery toward the Spaniards. The
persecution of Christian teachers and converts in Japan is still
furious; and this subject occupies most of the document, in a
letter from a Jesuit in that country, Father Christoval Ferreira,
to the Manila provincial. This relates the tortures inflicted on five
priests and two women, but without avail, to induce them to give up
the Christian faith; also the martyrdoms of many others. This account
is of peculiar and pathetic interest because its writer, Ferreira,
was the only one of the Jesuits arrested in Japan who became, under
the strain of torture, an apostate; this occurred a year after he
wrote the letter.

The ecclesiastical cabildo of Manila write to the king (1632), urging
that royal aid be given to the cathedral, in consideration of its
poverty and needs. They complain that the highest positions in the
diocese are filled by friars, to the neglect and discouragement
of the native-born seculars who are being educated in the two
universities at Manila. The cathedral needs a permanent subsidy for
its current provision of wine, etc., and a special grant to finish
its sacristy. Its service is painfully inadequate; to save the
expense of salaries for additional canons, the cabildo recommend
that some of the missions and benefices now held by the religious
orders be turned over to the cathedral. They recommend royal favor
for certain priests in Manila, and especially praise the labors of
the Augustinian order in the islands; more missionaries are needed
there, especially for the Augustinian Recollects. The writers commend
also certain military officials; but they denounce the treasury
officials for having permitted contraband trade of enormous extent
with Mexico. They remonstrate against the appointment of Fray Guerrero
to the archbishopric; and highly commend the character, abilities,
and work of the royal visitor Roja