that if the bishop
would not cause precedence to be observed for the Audiencia, they
would go to hear service elsewhere. When the bishop learned this,
he left the church immediately, and sent orders to the preacher not
to preach; and we were left without a sermon, to the great scandal
of the people gathered there.

There is nothing else at present. Only I pray that our Lord may
preserve your Majesty many years in perfect health, and with increase
of greater kingdoms and seigniories, in His holy service. At Manila,
July 15, 1589.

The licentiate _Ayala_.

Royal Decree Regarding Commerce

The King: To Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, [19] knight of the order of
Santiago, and appointed by me governor and captain-general of the
Phelipinas Islands. As soon as Father Alonso Sanchez, a religious
of the Society of Jesus, came here, ordered and empowered by all
the estates of the islands to discuss certain matters regarding
the service of our Lord, and the welfare and preservation of the
inhabitants and natives of those islands, I ordered certain members of
my councils to come together to hear him. This they did, and a thorough
examination was made of certain memorials which that religious had
been ordered to present. [20] After they had consulted with me upon
certain points of the said memorials, I decided, with the approval
of the above-mentioned councilors to whom the matter was delegated,
upon the following instructions which are given to you. I order you
to fulfil your duties, in every respect, with the consideration,
care, and diligence which I expect from you. The father has also
entreated me, in behalf of the said city, to order that no persons
entering the ports of the said islands from without shall be made to
pay duties--whether they be Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Siamese,
Borneans, or any other people whatsoever, especially when they bring
provisions, ammunition, and raw material for these articles. These
taxes are a grievance to the Chinese, and trade is hindered, and there
are other resultant disadvantages, as the said Father Alonso Sanchez
has informed me at length; accordingly I have held and do now hold it
best that for the present no more of the said duties be levied upon
provisions and ammunitions. Therefore you will not permit any duty
to be levied until otherwise ordered and decreed. Another advisable
measure discussed was that no Chinese or foreign ships could sell at
retail the goods which they car