the guilty, as well
as one might, and to punish them in conformity with their crimes. But
nothing may be done to the others.
But should it be by common consent, according to the first supposition,
without any leader, or if they have chiefs who possess authority
superior to the others, so that they may punish them as they deserve,
but who do not punish these guilty ones or have them punished by their
order, then, in these cases, war is allowable against the villages
that shall have taken part in the depredation, or against all the
province, or the guilty part; but it must be with the moderation with
which our Catholic king has ordered, in so Christian-like a manner,
war to be made, with the least bloodshed and injury possible. Those
captured shall not be killed, except those who shall have committed
individual crimes, who consequently merit death; and the others shall
not be reduced to perpetual bondage, but for a limited period only.
However, because of the great danger from this tribe, in order to
be sure of peace and to render secure our allies who dwell near the
Zambales, whom we are bound to protect, all the children and women
and the others may be taken from their land and divided in various
parts in small bands, even when their crimes were perpetrated by but
a few ruffians. By this method we receive much benefit and security,
and they no harm, but on the contrary much benefit, both spiritual
and corporal. But in no case do we think that they may have their
ears cut off or be crippled so that they can not take flight--neither
women, nor children, nor those who do not commit any individual crime
which may merit such punishment; for this is great cruelty and will
engender in all a deadly hatred of our nation and law. Besides,
other and gentler means can be used to prevent them from becoming
fugitives--such as dispersing them throughout many widely-separated
districts, and providing some one to watch over them.
_Antonio Sedeno_
Opinion of the Franciscans
_Jesus_
I have read the papers which your Grace sent me, and although, at
first reading, the justification of this proceeding was not apparent,
I wished, on account of its being so serious a matter, to study at
leisure the doctors who have discussed this subject. It is important
for me to know if what I have heard is true--that the Zambales have,
upon various occasions, been molested by the Spaniards. To be sure
of this point is a matter of much i
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