ns are so through fear rather than choice. The
preachers who are sent to them ought to go without military escort,
and the encomenderos should be compelled to fulfil their duties toward
the Indians in their charge.

The bishop then describes the status of the Chinese traders who come
to the Philippine Islands. Vexatious dues have been levied upon the
Chinese in Manila; they have been herded together in one dwelling,
apart from the other residents of the city; and a special warden,
with arbitrary power, has been placed over them. Besides, they have
been compelled to sell their goods at much below their value, and
have frequently been plundered; and reparation for their wrongs has
been denied. As a consequence, Chinese goods have almost disappeared
from the market, and the few articles seen are sold at exorbitant
prices. Other traders who come to Manila are also burdened with
numerous unjust and arbitrary exactions.

Salazar complains that the Spaniards enslave the Indians, and, despite
all remonstrances made by the priests and friars, refuse to liberate
their slaves. The natives are oppressed by the officials, and are
at the mercy of lawless, because unpaid, soldiers. The encomenderos
refuse to pay tithes, and the royal officials say that they have
no instructions to pay the bishop; he is thus greatly straitened in
means, and can do but little to aid the unfortunate natives or the
poor Spaniards. The governor proposes to levy an additional tribute
on the Indians; the clergy and the friars hold a conference regarding
this matter, and decide that it may reasonably be levied, in order
to support the expenses of protecting the natives from their enemies,
and of instructing them in the true religion. Nevertheless, the bishop
advises that no additional tribute be imposed until the king shall
have opportunity to examine the question, and order such action as
he deems best. The soldiers in the Philippines have left behind them
(in Spain, Mexico, and elsewhere) families whom they have practically
abandoned for many years. Salazar desires the king to order that these
men be sent back to their homes, or obliged to bring their families
to the islands. Again he recurs to the wretched condition of the
natives, and asks that suitable provision be made for an official
"protector of the Indians;" and that to this post, now temporarily
filled, the bishop may have the right of nomination. He also asks
that to the city of Manila be grante