and
the Philipinas Islands, under the penalties which were for that purpose
imposed. But further, considering the importance of the preservation of
the parts of those lands that are reduced to our obedience and to the
Christian faith (which had been established there), and likewise for
the greater extension of the gospel and of our holy Catholic faith,
he allowed and gave permission for two ships to go each year from
Nueva Espana to the said Philipinas Islands, each of three hundred
toneladas, in which were to be conveyed reenforcements of troops and
other things necessary, and the goods for trade which were to come
thence to Nueva Espana, and which were shipped on account of the royal
exchequer; the cost of sending these ships was to be taken from the
freight-moneys for the goods, and the quantity and value of the goods
freighted each year was not to exceed two hundred and fifty thousand
pesos of eight reals, nor the return in money five hundred thousand
for principal and profit, this trade being restricted to the citizens
of the said Philipinas Islands. All the said goods must be consumed
in the said Nueva Espana, or brought to these kingdoms; and in no
case might they be taken to Peru nor to any other part of the Indias,
[35] under the penalties imposed for such violation, as more fully
explained in the decrees cited, to which we refer. Although it has
been ordered by other decrees at various times that these should
be observed and complied with, I have been informed that this has
nut been done, and that the quantity allowed has been and is being
greatly exceeded in the amount taken each year, with the knowledge
and permission of my viceroys, audiencias, and governors--goods to
the extent of more than two millions of ducats being registered and
openly sent, besides what is secretly shipped. All this money finally
makes it way into infidel kingdoms, whereby their power is increased;
and from this have resulted great losses to our exchequer and to the
commerce of these kingdoms with the Western Indias. Those chiefly
interested in this trade are the citizens of Nueva Espana, Peru,
and other provinces; they have taken the said merchandise there
against the provisions and commands of the said decrees, and the
warnings sent to the said viceroys, audiencias, and governors, and
the measures that have been and are now being taken are not sufficient
to prevent these violations. As the correction of these lawless acts
and a re