mission must be given, and he shall
proceed as is the custom in war against criminals; for in any other
way, were opportunity given for appeals and suits, he would accomplish
no good. I know that from my own experience, as a person who had that
duty in charge for four years, and who labored arduously in it.

_Item_: That your Highness order straitly that no person keep
Sangleys in his house or allow them to sleep inside the city under
any consideration (for in that matter I accept no person of that
community); and that the said judge may punish such transgressors
with heavy penalties, without any one being able to prevent him.

_Item_: It is fully as advisable that no Japanese be [allowed in the
city], which is a great cause of trouble. For they are, on the one
hand, a warlike race, and easily come to blows with the Spaniards, for
they will not suffer ill-treatment. Consequently they have sometimes
risen against us, and have seized arms. This has occurred because
some soldiers have desired to harm or injure them, whereupon they,
to revenge themselves, seize certain cutlasses that they carry, and
begin to assemble together. They may place us in exceeding great
danger. On the other hand, if we are careless in permitting them,
many Japanese will come. We are in great danger, besides, lest some
take to the highways, for among those who come from those kingdoms
of Japon are many who have fled for crimes, and who have no right to
return to their country. Likewise [it is advisable to restrict their
coming] in order to preserve the friendship of the emperor; since,
if we do not retain them in that kingdom, there will be no occasion
for any event of treachery that should force us to break friendship
with him. I petition your Highness to order this straitly, and that
the said judge also have it in charge.

_Item_: There are certain depositories in the said islands called
"commons" [_comunidades_], in which each Indian places one-half fanega
of rice at the annual harvest season. Those commons were ordained
with the object and purpose that they might serve the said natives
in time of need, by relieving the poor and lending to other needy
persons, who return it at the harvest. The plan would have been of
great importance had that end been secured; but what actually occurs
is, that the alcaldes-mayor sell the rice, or appropriate and loan
it, and never return it. And between the stewards and the religious
for feasts of the village