,
legalized by notary in the ordinary manner. Such, they said, were the
laws of the kingdom, in consideration of the fact that there might be
some difference in the books, either by the transposition of a comma,
or by some other error that might have slipped into the printing.

Such are the intrenchments that the friars opposed in 1767 to the new
archbishop of Manila. In the beginning, the Dominicans and Augustinians
were disturbed; the Dominicans in fact submitted, and the archbishop's
party already thought that he had the victory. But, toward the
end of the year, some repented, and changed their minds; and, as a
consequence, there was a schism in the convent. The Augustinians also
were divided, and they came even to blows among themselves. One of
the chief actors was imprisoned in his room. However, the matter was
arranged, and it was agreed that all of them should assemble and be
reconciled, without saying a word of what had occurred. It produced
a singular effect. At my arrival the dissension had again commenced,
but I am not aware how the affair terminated.

The other religious and the fathers of the Society held firm. These
last especially, in appearance, were very assiduous in visiting the
governor [90]--and that at an hour when no one is received in the
houses of Manila, unless it be for matters which cannot suffer delay;
that is to say, the fathers went just after dinner, at the time when
all people retire to take their siesta. Having gone one day during
that time, just after his dinner, to see the governor about a pressing
matter which concerned me, scarcely had I begun what I had to say when
a father of the Society appeared, who had ascended by a little private
stair-way. I was unable to terminate my business. The reverend father
took possession of the governor, who made an appointment with me for
another time. I cannot be positive that that father had gone on the
matter of the visitation; I only report that fact because it agrees
with what was said then at Manila in regard to the frequent visits
which the fathers of the Society made to the governor, at times when
no one dared present himself at the government [house].

I must tell what side the governor took in so delicate a matter. On one
side he was pressed by the archbishop; on the other he was solicited
by the Jesuits and the friars. During these contests I found him
one evening when I went to see him, meditative and thoughtful. He
had two letters in