justice or those of the treasury to molest them, or to take from them
a thread of silk. With this shipment of goods; these your vassals have
no need whatever of the trade with the Portuguese; and the customs
duties of six per cent which the Chinese pay have amounted this year
to more than fifty thousand pesos. [_Marginal note_: "Seen. Tell him
to execute the decree, since he knows how expedient it is."]

7. In another decree, dated Madrid, December 4, 1634, your Majesty
commands your viceroys and governors that, on account of the
inconveniences resulting from the vacant see, and as the ecclesiastical
cabildos manage some affairs contrary to law and to the service of
God and your Majesty, in order to check them such measures shall
be taken as shall be most expedient for your royal service in these
islands. Thus far, Sire, the vacant [archiepiscopal] see has not been
governed by the ecclesiastical cabildo, but by the bishop of Cibu,
or by the bishop who has been longest in office; accordingly such
irregular proceedings have not occurred here. Moreover, the religious
orders and their members avoid these evils, obeying your Majesty and
your governors, as also do the ecclesiastics of the cabildo of this
holy church who are your very obedient chaplains. They cannot fail to
be such, for they live on what your Majesty furnishes them from your
royal treasury; and they perform what has thus far been required from
them which pertains to your royal service--especially in commending
your Majesty to God in their prayers at the beginning and the end
of mass, as well as our lady the queen, and our prince and the royal
children. They have done this very willingly, although it is something
which had not been done before, even among the religious orders--which
surprises me, and seems a very unusual thing. In all respects and in
every way, I will observe and follow what your Majesty is pleased to
command. [_Marginal note_: "This is well."]

8. In another decree, dated at San Martin, December 21, 1634, your
Majesty commands that I shall not go beyond the decrees in regard to
the resignations of saleable offices, in which it is commanded that
the third part of the price of such office be placed in the royal
treasury. What your Majesty commands shall be fulfilled and carried
out. [_Marginal note_: "Let this decree be brought. Tell him that
his course is approved, and he shall act accordingly."]

9. In another decree, dated Madrid, January