es them the permission to indulge reasonably in a diversion. It
is known as a well-ascertained fact that the Sangleys will gamble,
whether with or without license; and that there are not wanting
citizens, and even sons and relatives of auditors, who will shield
them for it. Hence I have considered it as less troublesome to give
them a moderate permission (such as that which is granted to them for
their festival), and to try to prevent the danger of incurring other
and greater troubles by making the Sangleys restless and discontented,
and gaming secretly all the year in the houses or gateways of private
persons. It is true that some friars have preached against this; but I
ordered one of them, who is considered as the most learned, to give me
in writing his reasons for opposing this. Having also consulted with
my confessor and with other theologians, who Were of opinion that this
was not a matter for burdening the conscience (and I do not know why
the auditors should think that the religious who gave this opinion
allowed themselves to be carried away by their desire to natter me,
charging their own consciences in order to save mine), I am rather
persuaded that he who preached the contrary was induced to do so by
his own or another's prejudice in opposition to the government. The
opinions of both sides are in my possession, with full relation of
everything that there is bearing on this subject. If your Majesty wish,
they can be sent you very easily; and I would have done so immediately,
if they had not reminded me of this complaint at so critical a time.

_The foundation for the complaint of the auditors that the governor
does not allow them to visit the provinces._

9. The seventh point. I am advised also that the auditors write
that I do not allow them to go to visit the provinces. I am not
aware that this subject has been discussed in my time. Neither do
I know whether the execution of it would be convenient in districts
where the Indians are so poor and so burdened with repartimientos and
shipyards, the conveyance of food and products, and other things which
are unavoidable in the service of your Majesty. If in addition to all
that, they were to be burdened with the expense of the visit of an
auditor, they would become still more crushed. However, I shall not
shut the door in this matter; and if 1 shall find it necessary for
the service of your Majesty to send some auditor to the provinces,
it shall be done. Howe