ILLUSTRATIONS

Autograph signature of Fernando de Silva; photographic facsimile from original Ms. in Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.  Plan of the city and port of Macao; photographic facsimile of engraving in Bellin’s Petit atlas maritime ([Paris], 1764) no. 57; from copy in the library of Wisconsin-Historical Society.

PREFACE

The present volume covers (1625-29) the governorship of Fernando de Silva, and half of that of Juan Nino de Tavora.  Besides the staple topics of trade restrictions, conflicts between the civil and ecclesiastical authorities, and hostilities with the Dutch, it contains more than usual matter which sheds light on social conditions in Manila and the internal affairs of the colony.  A vivid and picturesque description of social life in Manila is furnished in the document on “Royal festivities;” and educational interests are represented in others, regarding aid to the Jesuit college there, and a school for orphan boys.  An order of nuns has for some time been established in Manila, and they ask for more liberty to receive novices—­a proceeding apparently objected to in that community:  they receive liberal aid from many persons, especially wealthy women.  A solid bridge of stone has been built across the Pasig River, facilitating intercourse and traffic among the people.  The Parian has been destroyed by fire, but is rebuilt in better and more extensive form than ever before.  Special efforts are made to protect the Chinese resident there, who are often wronged and ill-treated by the Spaniards.  In this volume is much concerning the persecution of Christians in Japan, the proceedings of the Dutch in the Eastern seas, affairs in China, and the raids of Moro pirates upon the Pintados Islands.  The limits of Spanish domination are somewhat extended by the establishment of a military post on Formosa Island; but many feel that this is an expensive and burdensome enterprise.

The Spanish royal Council of State send to the king (March 7, 1625) a report on the appointment of a governor for the Philippines, in place of Fajardo, who had in 1623 asked permission to return to Spain.  Many candidates for this office are enumerated, with the merits and services of each, and the number of votes given to each in the session of the Council; the whole is submitted to the king that he may choose from them.  On June 1 of the same year Felipe grants to the Jesuit college at Manila an annual income for sixteen years.