On the next day (June 27) Salazar writes to the king.  He defends himself against the royal reprimand for his dissensions with the Audiencia.  Further information is given regarding the capture of Spanish ships by Candish.  The resulting losses of citizens in the islands are very great, and still more serious is the loss of Spanish prestige in the archipelago.  In Mindanao, Moslem missionaries are conducting an extensive propaganda.  The bishop complains that in his diocese the churches, as well as their furniture, are often so wretched and inadequate that they are a disgrace to religion, and are “not fit to be entered by horses.”  This arises from the penuriousness or the poverty of the encomenderos; nothing can be expected from the natives, who are “so harassed and afflicted with public and private undertakings that they are not able to take breath.”  The bishop regards the calamities that have befallen the Spaniards as punishments inflicted on them by God for their evil treatment of the Indians.  He recommends that many religious be sent to the islands, who will be protectors of the natives; also that a governor be sent who is not ruled by selfish or family interests.  Salazar complains of the harshness and severity shown by the viceroy of Nueva Espana, especially as the latter will not allow certain Dominican friars to go to the Philippines; and as he has injured the commerce of the islands by his restrictive measures—­especially by selling the vessel “Saint Martin” to a Mexican merchant to be used in the Chinese trade.  The wreck of that ship at sea he regards as a punishment from heaven.  He urges that trade from Mexico to China be stopped, and that the viceroy of Nueva Espana be ordered to send aid to the Philippines, especially of troops and military supplies, and not to meddle with the decisions of the Audiencia there regarding customs duties, etc.  Salazar objects to the presence of so many Chinamen in the islands.

An extract from a letter of the viceroy of India to the king (April 3, 1589) complains that some of his officers have violated the prohibition of intercourse with China and the Philippines.  He has sent officials to Macao to quell disturbances there, and order has been given that all Castilians there shall be sent away.  He is greatly opposed to the trade which has begun between Mexico and China, and thinks that rigorous measures should be taken against it.

Vera writes (July 13) to the king imploring reenforcements and supplies for the islands.  Three Spaniards, among them a Franciscan friar, have been treacherously slain by the Borneans.  This proves to be the outcome of a general conspiracy among the Filipinos, Borneans, and other peoples to attack and drive out the Spaniards.  The plotters are detected and severely punished.  Certain public offices have been sold, account for which is rendered by the governor.  He is endeavoring to secure a small fleet of trading ships, but is obliged to ask aid for this from the