and reduced in accordance with the old
list; and the increase of pay that has been granted them shall be
reduced for the just causes contained in the despatches where this
is ordered to you. In this consideration, also, you are ordered, by
virtue of what has been given you in the said despatches, that if,
besides what there might be of this reduction of pay, you should find
any pay, even though of those long in service, that is not strictly
necessary, and that will not detract from the necessary defense,
it shall also be lessened and reduced, cautiously, as is advisable,
in order that the service be made effective, that as much expense as
possible be avoided, and that there be sufficient revenue with which
to pay the active and serviceable soldiers. The third point is what
you mention concerning consultation with the Audiencia and with other
persons, in order to avoid difficulties. If this cannot be secured
in executing what has been ordered you, and in the rest, it will be
advisable that you speak clearly and not in ambiguous and general
terms--especially stating what those difficulties are, what injury
they cause, and whether they concern the public, or only the private
affairs of certain interested parties. For to the latter no attention
is to be given, since it is certain that every one is working for his
own interest and profit. Whenever these reductions have been made in
armies and militia, they are resented at the beginning. Everything
is assured, as is advisable, with good management and the execution
of what is ordered. Hence I again charge you most earnestly that,
inasmuch as this matter of the expenses and revenues of those islands
is paramount and cannot be overlooked, you shall endeavor to preserve
whatever is possible, paying heed that the expense of what you shall
take upon yourself does not prove of greater harm than what you are
trying to remedy thereby."]

33d. I shall endeavor to have the same done in all the expenses that
should be increased, when their utility and necessity should not be
clear and evident, if they are not approved and confirmed by your
Majesty. I shall exercise constant care that the expenses do not
increase in the treasury sessions. I have also tried and shall try to
lessen the expenses of the articles that are generally requested from
Nueva Spana, and that can be avoided; for never have fewer things been
requested than now, as will be seen by the enclosed certifications.

[_Marg