[The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 by Emma Helen Blair]@TWC D-Link bookThe Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 CHAPTER VII 13/24
I am therefore very thankful to God to see him so desirous of serving you, and may He give him grace to succeed.
As for the persons who are sent to that Audiencia, they should be in a degree like the governors; for your Majesty places as much confidence in them--although I think it would be more to the purpose to discontinue it, for the reasons which are given by most people in that country, in which matter I will give your Majesty a memorial. The affairs of that kingdom are in such disorder, and move in so irregular channels, that people ask for an inspector to reform and adjust them and put everything in its place, redressing injuries and punishing wrong-doing.
The country is much in need of this; but that it may not be like the frogs who asked Jupiter for a king, and were given one that devoured them, it will be best for your Majesty to appoint some one from that country, who, through his great experience and knowledge, cannot be deceived, and knows what must be reformed, and who is possessed as well of the prudence and tact which are necessary in such a new country.
And on the other hand, on account of the risks which exist in sending anyone from here who does not understand the affairs and conditions which must be remedied, and knows not how to proceed, it would be wiser to send no one, on account of the danger which exists of ruining the city. _Item_: The governor should not consent to Japanese living in that country, as they are a great trouble and danger to the country, and the city is continually in danger from them. _Item_: The Chinese should be very carefully restricted, so that no greater number of them than your Majesty has ordered be [allowed to remain there]; for they are permitted [to enter the country] without any exercise of caution, and we know by experience what this costs. _Item_: Your Majesty should command the governor finally to reduce the island of Mindanao to obedience to your Majesty; for those islands are so infested that they hinder the carrying of reenforcements to Maluco.
And as they are in league with the Dutch, we have a perfect right to make war upon them and subject them to slavery.
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