Chapter 10

_Bugason_: _Pedro Guillen_--Ensign Guillen collects, in Bugason, two hundred and fifty tributes, which represent one thousand persons. It has instruction and justice. ... CCL.

_Antique_: _Serna_--Alonso de la Serna collects, from the encomienda of Antique, five hundred and fifty tributes, which represent two thousand two hundred persons. It has justice and instruction. ... DL.

_Amiagao_: _Minor son of Flores_--The minor son of Antonio Flores collects, in Amiago [_sic_], three hundred tributes, which represent one thousand two hundred persons. It has instruction and justice, and is pacified. ... CCC.

_Bongol_: _Augustín Ossorio_--Augustín Ossorio collects, from the encomienda of Bongol, three hundred and fifty tributes, which represent, two thousand four hundred persons. It is visited by a religious, and has justice. ... CCCL.

_Tibagua_: _Captain Estevan Rodríguez_--Captain Estevan Rodríguez de Figueroa collects, from the encomienda of Tibagua, one thousand two hundred tributes, which represent four thousand eight hundred persons. It has justice and instruction, and is pacified. ... MCC.

_Caraco_: _Pareja_--Christóval de Parexa collects, from the encomienda of Caraco, six hundred tributes, which represent two thousand four hundred persons. It has no instruction, but is pacified. It needs one minister. ... DC.

_Bago_: _Albaro Pérez_--Albaro Pérez collects, along the river of Bago, three hundred and fifty tributes, which represent one thousand four hundred persons. It has no instruction. It is pacified and has justice. It needs one minister. ... CCCL.

_Ynavaga_: _Herrera_--Francisco de Herrera collects, along the river cf Ynavaga, five hundred tributes, which represent two thousand persons. It has no instruction, but has justice and is pacified. It needs one minister. ... D.

_Hilo_: _Trigo_--Hierónimo Trigo collects, along the river of Hilo, one hundred and fifty tributes, which represent six hundred persons. It has no instruction, but has justice, and is pacified. ... CL.

_Hilo_: _Ysla_--Gaspar de Ysla collects, along the said river, two hundred tributes, which represent eight hundred persons. It has no instruction, but has justice. One minister might care for this and the above encomienda. ... CC.

_Hilo_: _Mendía_--Martín de Mendía collects, along the said river, five hundred tributes, which represent two thousand persons. It has no instruction, but has justice, and is pacified. One minister is needed. ... D.

_Cuyo_: _Captain Juan Pablo_--Captain Juan Pablo collects, in the island of Cuyo, one thousand tributes, which represent four thousand persons. It has neither instruction nor justice, and needs two ministers. ... M.

Thus, in the island of Panay and its jurisdiction, are twenty-five thousand eight hundred and ninety tributes, or sixty thousand _[sic]_ souls. It has at present eighteen ministers, and needs twenty-five more, which will make in all thirty-eight _[sic]_ with whom it will be well instructed. In regard to justice, it is quite sufficient throughout the island.

_Lumbán_: _Sauzedo_--The island of Lumbán belongs to Phelippe de Sauzedo, and has five hundred tributes, or two thousand persons. It is in the jurisdiction of Balayán. It has no instruction. It needs one minister to instruct it. ... D.

_Mindoro_: _Sauzedo_-The encomienda of Vaco y Mindoro belongs to Phelippe de Sauzedo. It has seven hundred tributes, or two thousand eight hundred persons, it is in charge of one religious, and is under the civil jurisdiction of Balayán. The opposite coast of this island has neither instruction nor justice. ... DCC.

_Batangas_: _Francisco Rodríguez_--The encomienda of Batangas belongs to Francisco Rodríguez. He collects there one thousand four hundred tributes, which represent five thousand six hundred persons. It has sufficient justice and instruction. ... MCCCC.

_Bonbon_: _The mariscal Gabriel de Ribera_--The encomienda of Bonbon belongs to the mariscal Gavriel de Rybera. He collects there four thousand tributes, which represent sixteen thousand souls. It all has sufficient instruction, and its justice is administered from Balayan. ... MMMM.

_Balayan_: _Cauchela_--The encomienda of Balayan belongs to the accountant Cauchela, and his Majesty has there six hundred tributes, which represent two thousand four hundred persons. It has one alcalde-mayor, who is the judicial chief of the district. It has instruction, which is administered by one ecclesiastic. ... DC.

[_Tuley_]: _King_--The lowlands of Tuley belong to his Majesty. Six hundred whole tributes are collected there, which represent two thousand four hundred souls. It has no instruction, and needs one minister. ... DC.

_Calamianes_: _Sarmiento_--The islands of Calamianes belong to Captain Sarmiento. Tribute is levied, although not in all parts--about two thousand five hundred, counting the negrillos. Four ministers are needed for the whole encomienda. It has no justice. ... MMD.

_Calilaya_: _King; Torres_--Calilaya and Marinduque is a corregidor's district by itself. Half of the encomienda of Calilaya belongs to the king, and the other half to Torres. There are one thousand two hundred tributarios, or four thousand eight hundred persons. It has had instruction, and there are many Christians. It has justice. One ecclesiastic attends to the instruction. It needs two ministers. ... MCC.

_Galvan_: _Medrano_--The encomienda of Galvan belongs to Medrano. It has eight hundred tributes, or three thousand and some souls. It has had instruction, but has none now. It is visited from Batangas. It has justice, and needs one minister. ... DCCC.

_Mahuban_: _King_--Mahuban belongs to his Majesty. On this coast of Manila he has eight hundred tributes, which represent more than three thousand persons. It has never had instruction, but has justice from Calilaya. One minister is needed. ... DCCC.

_Casiguiran_: _Francisco Garçia_--The encomienda of Casiguiran lies on the same coast opposite Manila. It belongs to Françisco García, who collects there five hundred tributes, which represent two thousand persons. Half of it is hostile, and more than half has neither justice nor instruction: One minister is needed. ... D.

_Balete_: _Juan Martín_--The encomienda of Balete belongs to Juan Martín Picon. He collects the half of five hundred tributes, for the other half is hostile and without justice or instruction. The magistrate of Calilaya administers justice to one-half of it alone. It needs one minister. ... D.

Thus Calilaya has five thousand five hundred tributes, or twenty-two thousand persons, who have but little instruction. Nine ministers are necessary now, so that it may have some instruction. With the nine ministers it will have sufficient instruction; but it has adequate justice.

_Marinduque_: _Poyatos_--The island of Marinduque, belonging to Captain Poyatos, has seven hundred tributarios, or two thousand eight hundred persons. It has justice, and needs one minister so that the people may be instructed. ... DCC.

_Batan_: _Captain Esguerra_--The encomienda of Batan belongs to Captain Esguerra, who is his own deputy. This said encomienda has one thousand tributes, or four thousand persons. It has one monastery, containing four Dominican friars. ... M.

Thus in the city of Manila, along its coast and the coast opposite, and in the provinces of Pampanga, Pangasinan, Ylocos, Cagayan, La Laguna, Camarines, Masbate, Zebu, Panay, Balayan, and Calilaya, which is all of Luzon and the other Philippinas Islands settled, there are one hundred and sixty-six thousand nine hundred and three whole tributes. Each tribute includes husband, wife, and excepting the sons, the children. Therefore there are six hundred and sixty-seven thousand six hundred and twelve souls in the said provinces, besides the religious of the convents of Manila. One hundred and forty ministers--twenty of whom are ecclesiastics, seventy-nine Augustinians, nine Dominicans, and forty-two Franciscans--are divided among the provinces to instruct the natives and administer the holy sacraments. It appears from this relation that there is a lack of ministers through the departures above noted. It shows that one hundred and sixty-one more ministers are needed to furnish adequate instruction. These should be sent very soon, and even a greater number, for when they arrive here, one-fourth of these will have died. His Majesty has thirty-one encomiendas in the said provinces. Private individuals have two hundred and thirty-six. Of these, however, from many of those in Cagayan and some in other districts no tribute can be collected, because they are not pacified, while others are quite worthless or of slight importance.

The said provinces have twelve alcaldes-mayor, each with his deputy; and, in addition, are three who are their own deputies. In some of these districts it is impossible to go to administer justice, because of their distance from the capitals where the alcaldes-mayor live. This must be carefully looked into and these needs supplied.

TABLE

Whole tributes 166,903 Souls 667,612 Number of religious 140 Religious still needed 161 King's encomiendas 31 Those of individuals 236 Alcaldes-mayor 12 Deputies 12 Other deputies 3 ------

Letter from Governor Dasmarinas to Felipe II

Sire:

Last year, a short time after my arrival in these islands, I gave an account to your Majesty, by the first vessels leaving here, of my arrival and of the condition in which I found matters. I could not enter into full details, because of the short time between my arrival and the departure of the ships. I venture to declare that never were four and twenty days so occupied, busy as I was in the despatch of the vessels, the new government, and other things that occurred here at that time. Now I am somewhat better informed, and I shall give advices of everything with due punctuality, so that your Majesty may ordain and decree in accordance with the royal pleasure. I hereby respond more systematically and clearly to some clauses of your Majesty's instructions some of which I am sure have not been followed; and, accordingly, some of the affairs in this new land are in the same condition as when it was discovered. Your Majesty's orders should have been received and observed, which has not been done. [_Marginal note_: "He has done well."]

2. As these regions are so remote and far away from the possibility of appeal to your Majesty, and from your Majesty's favor and protection, the religion and zeal of your Majesty are so much the more remarkable. It is sufficient to support the gospel and Christian religion in so remote lands and seas, and among such a diversity of idolatrous infidels, at so great cost to the royal estate, and at such risks and losses to your Majesty's subjects and vassals. Nevertheless, your Majesty is interested only in the glorious renown of serving God, from whom I await the beginning of the fulfilment of the great hopes that the arrangement and close position of these islands promise your Majesty for the extension of the holy Catholic faith through your royal medium.

3. To the first clause of your Majesty's instructions I do not have to respond, as it seems to be but a preamble of the orders thereby given me. I can only express to your Majesty my desire to serve you faithfully, and to render a good account of my obligation as your Majesty's born vassal, and as your servant and creature, to pay that debt with all diligence and zeal.

4. Under the second clause your Majesty orders me to bring about the maintenance of the pacified district in these islands, and to increase its extent as far as possible. In answer I will say that I am promptly attending to that, as your Majesty will see by every clause and subject separately. [_Marginal note:_ "It is well."]

5. I am ordered by the third clause to expend, in the construction and erection of the cathedral church of Manila, twelve thousand ducats, to be apportioned in three parts--namely, between your Majesty, the encomenderos, and the Indians; two thousand ducats of your Majesty's share to be advanced from the royal treasury of Mexico. I could not collect these two thousand ducats from Mexico, as the decrees to that effect sent to me at Sevilla did not come as they should have done; and therefore the officers of the royal exchequer there would not give me the money. When I came here I found that the work on the church had been going on for three years, and there had been spent on it eight thousand pesos, received from assessments on the three parties--namely, your Majesty, the encomenderos, and the Indians. There had been poor management of the expenditure of this money, as very large salaries were paid to those engaged on the work. Had not some reform been inaugurated, most of the money would have gone for salaries. The building is being carried on as rapidly as possible, although there are other large undertakings hereabout--namely, the fortifications and other public works of the city. The greatest lack felt is that of people; but nevertheless I expect, God willing, that in a month from this date, mass can be said in the cathedral. The two aisles are already covered over, and the chapel will be finished for Corpus Christi, and the rest by Christmas. [_Marginal note:_ "Thank him for the care he has used, and tell him to continue the same."]

6. In this fourth clause of the instruction, your Majesty orders me to provide most carefully for the hospital for the Spaniards in this city, and that all due hospitality be observed there. The same is to be done in the hospital for the Indians. The hospital for the Spaniards is to be endowed with one thousand pesos of income, and that for the Indians with five hundred ducats, from the first repartimientos that may be vacant. Your Majesty gives as alms to the one four hundred ducats, and to the other two hundred, from the royal treasury of Mexico, which also was not paid, owing to the same difficulty of my not receiving the proper decree. This hospital is one of the good and necessary pious works of the islands. As there are here no doctors or medicines, conveniences or cleanliness for the cure of Spaniards, it is a usual practice and universal remedy for all to go to the hospital whenever ill. Thus with all possible care and cleanliness the poor soldiers and other Spaniards are attended. The rich go also, as there are no conveniences elsewhere. The rich pay the hospital for treatment and medicines, and some persons even give alms. In fulfilment of your Majesty's commands I have already endowed the hospital for the Spaniards with the thousand pesos of income, and that for the Indians with the five hundred ducats. I have not given the alms because, as I have said, I did not collect it in Mexico for lack of orders; for, although in the instruction it stated that a decree would be given me, that was not done. There are usually many sick persons in this hospital, and although there is now an income of two thousand seven hundred pesos, more or less, much more is needed. Money is necessary to build a couple of rooms where contagious diseases can be treated. Those are the most frequent diseases in this land, on account of the heat and humidity; and for their treatment a comfortable and well-situated apartment is needed. Moreover, we need a kitchen and other work-rooms; and salary for a chaplain, to confess and say mass for the sick and administer the sacraments. He would have not a little to do. There should also be salary for a doctor and apothecary, and money sufficient to import medicines in bulk from Mexico. If they are bought here there is not sufficient to pay the expenses. Hence the present income cannot supply these necessities, unless your Majesty grant more, as the income should be four thousand pesos. The blankets which your Majesty orders brought from Mexico are not needed, as those of this country are sufficient, on account of the heat here, and because our blankets are cheaper. Consequently the money which is to be spent for them could be better employed for other necessities. At the hospital for the Indians, I have tried to make investigations of some Franciscan brethren who are there. It were well that they be called to account; because many things come into their possession, and much money is handled, in the course of administration. Nevertheless, they would give no account, saying that that hospital is not under the control of your Majesty. The bishop upholds and sustains them in this course, saying that until your Majesty endows that house and gives what is needed therefor, your Majesty has nothing to do with that or other pious works of this bishopric. They persistently shield themselves with the habit of St. Francis, although they are but lay brethren, through the artifice of the bishop. Your Majesty will accordingly send the despatches which may seem expedient to the royal service, as otherwise this matter cannot be attended to. [_Marginal note_: "Send this decree, after taking note thereof, so that the sum stated therein shall be paid over in Mexico. Have this decree framed and sent, even though it has been despatched already. It is well that this be favored and aided as much as possible, because the work is so necessary. Give him this decree."

"Granted. Advise his Majesty, that another thousand pesos from vacant tributes be applied to this hospital for ten years, for the reasons given. Let this notification be given immediately. In regard to the blankets, inasmuch as he says they are unnecessary, direct the viceroy of Mexico to exchange these for whatever seems most needed."

"Take possession of the hospitals for his Majesty, as patron of hospitals. Have investigations made thereof, and of the accounts of whatever person may have the administration of them. The bishop is to place no obstacle in the way, although, if he wishes to be present, he may attend the investigation. Write this decision to the bishop."]

7. In clause 5 your Majesty directs that religious be provided for the instruction of the Indians; and that they be not permitted to leave the islands, at least not until after due consideration, and with license from the governor and bishop.

8. Although your Majesty with holy zeal is so careful to furnish ministers for teaching, to evangelize and extend the faith to these natives, as you have always provided and now provide at great cost to the royal exchequer, nevertheless, many more workers are needed. For there are many encomiendas, both those in your Majesty's name and those belonging to private persons, some of which have never had a minister, but magistrates only; while others, although they have had ministers, have not had enough of them to give sufficient instruction. Thus it is most pitiable that many thousands of souls who have been subdued to your Majesty's service for many years, pay their tributes, declare their desire to become Christians, and ask for ministry, but for lack thereof are not converted. The encomenderos will be glad to pay their share of the expense for the support of the instruction, which they do not have in their encomiendas on account of the lack of ministers. Therefore I send herewith to your Majesty an exact account of the districts in this country where ministers are needed. And I beseech your Majesty kindly to provide ministers, to give instruction, as this is the principal royal purpose. In case of entrances and of taking possession of lands for your Majesty, the lack of instruction is one of the greatest troubles; for it is important to the service of God and of your Majesty that there be religious present when said entrances are made and possession is taken by your Majesty. They should be there to attend to the instruction, as the principal object, so that everything may be carried on according to the intention and obligation of your Majesty--that is, that the conversion of these souls may be brought to pass. It should be taken into consideration that, of those friars who are sent here, some die before reaching their destination and others after their arrival; while others grow infirm, and none are born. [_Marginal note_: "Friars are sent herewith; and care shall be taken that provisions be made according to the advices received."]

9. Besides the cessation of the preaching of the gospel for lack of ministers, as has been stated above, which is the principal danger affecting the spiritual good, there is another question of no little consideration touching temporal welfare. In the present condition of things here, where there is no instruction (even should there be justice) the entire tribute cannot be raised, according to the statement of the theologians of this bishopric. The Indians must be left at least the fourth part of the tribute, which is about the sum owed and applied for the expense and support of the instruction. Taking into account the large number of tributarios and encomenderos of your Majesty, this would amount to a very great sum, which would not be collected for this reason, and your Majesty would lose much more in these fourths. There is another inconvenience in the lack of instruction, and that is, that where there is no instruction and the payment of the fourth is excused and less tribute collected, the consequence is very damaging for the other Indians; for they say that the Christians pay more tribute than do those who are not Christians, and consequently no one is willing to be converted. This effect would cease under adequate instruction, as all would become Christians and would pay the same tribute, there being no opportunity for the aforesaid practice. Moreover, restitution of the amounts collected would be obligatory in the places where there is no teaching. Over this subject of payment of tributes I have had various arguments with the bishop, as your Majesty will see by the papers which are sent herewith. By them your Majesty may understand more accurately all that has passed, and what the bishop and I have written and replied to each other. Therefore, as briefly as possible, I shall report it.