islands, as is done now; nor could the inhabitants buy the goods, openly or in secret, under severe penalties.  The purchase of the said goods was to be discussed by the Council, and as many and so qualified persons as the business demanded were to be appointed.  These persons alone should buy in a lot all the merchandise brought by the ships, and then distribute it fairly among the citizens, Spanish, the Chinese, and the Indians, at the same price at which it should be appraised.  The matter was discussed and examined by the members of the said Council, and it has seemed best to send you the decision reached in this affair, as I now do.  I order you, keeping this in mind, to give the orders which you may think acceptable to me.  You will keep me informed of your proceedings, and will not permit or allow any person to go to the ships except the ones appointed to do so by a special order.  You will endeavor to give products of the islands in exchange for the said merchandise, so as to avoid, if possible, the introduction of so much coin into foreign kingdoms as has been customary.  Besides the good results which will follow from carrying out the provisions of the preceding clause, we may expect another of no less importance; and that is, that by enforcing the regulations, not only will you rid yourself of the Chinese retailers, who conceal and sell their merchandise, but there will be also avoided many other losses, expenses, and scarcity, and the secret sins and witchcraft which they teach.  Their shops, which are necessary for the sale at retail, could, in the course of the year, be given up to Spaniards, so that they might remain in their possession and bring them profit.  Such a course would also bring together a larger number of citizens.  You might permit the Chinese Christians and other old inhabitants to remain, who do not come and go, and are not retailers in the true sense of the word; but who work as mechanics, carpenters, gardeners, farmers, and in other labors for food production.  Considering the importance of this affair, you are warned not to permit or allow the presence of infidels and retailers in the said islands; and to prevent their coming together in so large numbers as to give rise to difficulties.  All this you will carry out with the care and diligence which I am confident lies in your character and prudence, and the zeal which you will show where my service is concerned.  San Lorenzo, August 9, 1589.

Instructions to Gomez Perez Dasmarinas

The King:  To Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, knight of the order of Santiago, whom I have appointed as my governor and captain-general of the Philipinas Islands.  Upon the arrival of Father Alonso Sanchez, a religious of the Society of Jesus, who came, by order and authorization of all estates of the said islands, to confer about certain matters pertaining to the service of our Lord and the welfare and preservation of the inhabitants