to what you say about
his prohibiting disputes from going to that Audiencia, or to any of
the auditors, as alcaldes of court, as he believes that the parties
can go to place the disputes before the ordinary judges; so that,
if there should be any act of injustice, the case may go on appeal
to that Audiencia. In that regard, he has been answered to observe
the existing laws on that matter.

What you say about ceasing to maintain a room, separate from the other
collegiates, in the college of San Josef (which is under charge of
the fathers of the Society), for the instruction of the Japanese in
our holy faith, is approved for the present, as communication with
that kingdom has ceased.

The other sections of the said letter were examined, but there is
nothing to answer to them at present. Madrid, December 31, 1630.

_I the King_
By order of the king our sovereign:
_Don Francisco Ruiz de Contreras_

LETTER TO FELIPE IV FROM THE BISHOP OF CEBU

Sire:

July 26, 1631, I received three decrees from your Majesty, in which
your Majesty granted me the favor to advise me of the birth of the
prince, [86] our sovereign, whom may God preserve. I feel especial joy
and satisfaction at the favor that our Lord has shown toward Espana,
in giving us a successor to your Majesty. In regard to the thanks
that your Majesty orders me to give to God, I shall take especial
pains to do as your Majesty orders.

In the second decree of your Majesty, your Majesty orders that the
natives of these islands be treated gently, and that they be relieved
as far as possible from injuries and too heavy burdens. I have always
done my utmost, so far as I am concerned, in regard to this; and now
and henceforth, I shall do it more carefully, since your Majesty has
ordered it.

In your third decree, your Majesty orders that the governor appoint
an ecclesiastical person to assist him in the examinations in what
concerns the royal patronage, because of the troubles that have
occurred in the vacant see. What I can tell your Majesty in perfect
truth is, that I have always tried to have benefices given to the most
praiseworthy, and to those most suitable to minister to the Indians;
but if your Majesty judges an agent advisable, I shall willingly obey
what your Majesty orders.

Your Majesty has appointed the archdean of the church of Cebu, Don
Alonso de Campos, to the dignity of schoolmaster in this church of
Manila. He has not been graduated i