Islands, and the Other Theologians of this Bishopric, Concerning the
Collection of the Tributes Therein

_Jesus_

The first conclusion: From the encomiendas which have not had and
do not have religious instruction, and have never received from
the encomenderos any other benefit or advantage, either spiritual
or temporal, than the collection of the tributes, then being left
in their former condition (and such are most of the encomiendas in
this bishopric), the tributes should not be exacted. But in case
they have already been exacted, or shall be in the future, and the
encomenderos shall have done no more good therein than they have thus
far, those who have made these collections shall be compelled to make
restitution therefor to the natives of the said encomiendas. This
same obligation also binds those who, being obliged by their office,
and having the power to prevent this evil, shall give license, or
consent, or permission, that these collections be made.

Second conclusion: In the encomiendas which, although they may not
have had or at present have religious instruction (or so little,
and for so short a space of time, that no result can be observed),
have been pacified through the earnest endeavors and good works of
the encomendero, and whose inhabitants are so subdued as to permit of
travel and residence among them, and favorably disposed to receive
instruction in case there should be anyone to impart it to them;
the encomenderos shall be allowed to collect a certain portion of the
tributes--as, for example, the third part, if the encomiendas are of
average size (for, if they are large, it is a great deal to collect the
third part), and one half, if they are small--by which we understand
a population of three hundred Indians, or a less number. The tributes
thus collected are granted as aid for the encomendero's maintenance,
and for the expenses of said pacification.

Third conclusion: All that was collected from the Indians before they
were thus rendered willing to pay must be restored to them by those
who made such collection, or by those who permitted it, as is stated
in the preceding clause.

Fourth conclusion: All the rest of the said half or third part
which has been or shall hereafter be levied upon the Indians,
before they shall have received sufficient religious instruction,
must be restored by those who have made or permitted to be made the
aforesaid collections.

Fifth conclusion: From the encom