therein to the descendants
of conquistadors and settlers. Fajardo remonstrates against this,
adducing various arguments to show how this decree hampers the efforts
and authority of the governor, creates difficulties between him and
the auditors, disturbs the course of administration in the islands,
and injuries the public service. Fajardo seconds the demand of the
citizens of Manila that the Audiencia be suppressed, alleging that it
does more harm than good. He has sent the usual supplies to Ternate,
and has despatched a small troop of Spaniards to Celebes to fortify
a post there, with some Franciscan missionaries to minister to the
natives. He has secured the release of certain Spanish prisoners, and
is building two ships. Some of the natives have revolted, and troops
have been sent to chastise them; Fajardo tries to keep the Indians in
due subjection, yet to treat them with justice and kindness, and he
complains that his efforts to do so are hindered by the oppressive and
harsh conduct of the friars (especially of the Dominicans) toward the
natives, and by their ambition to rule in all matters. The governor
is exerting every effort to maintain the fortifications at Cavite
and Oton, and to repair and equip the few vessels at his disposal;
he has news that Dutch and English fleets are coming to harass the
Spaniards and their Chinese trade.

Fajardo's chief enemy in the Audiencia, Alvaro Messa y Lugo, writes
to the king (apparently in 1621), complaining of the governor's
official conduct as ruining the country. Messa accuses him of reckless
expenditures of public funds; of using these to invest for his own
profit in the Mexican trade; of allowing Indian claims for wages to
be sold at a third of their value, and cashed in full; of issuing too
many licenses to Chinese residents, and using these fees for himself;
and of neglecting to audit the accounts of the government. According
to Messa, Fajardo intimidates the Audiencia, interrupts the course of
justice, recklessly liberates criminals, persecutes citizens who differ
from him, neglects to observe the royal decrees, threatens even the
clergy and friars, and tyrannizes over the entire community. It may be
noted that Messa bases most of these accusations on report and hearsay,
without citing any definite authority for his statements. Messa accuses
the governor of neglecting his duties, and failing to provide for the
defense of the country, while spending the royal revenues