As for affairs of government, there is the usual conflict between the Audiencia and the governor, which hinders the latter in the discharge of his duties.  They interfere with his authority, try to secure the trial of the Chinese lawsuits, acquit delinquents, and meddle in municipal affairs; and he intimates his desire that they be despatched to other branches of his Majesty’s service.  Cerezo asks for enlightenment in several difficult matters connected with the respective jurisdictions of himself and the Audiencia.  This year the Portuguese of Macao have failed to trade at Manila, and the Chinese, although they have brought considerable merchandise, furnish but little cloth.  The expedition sent to Formosa is badly treated by the Portuguese at Macao, of which Cerezo complains to the king.  He describes the island of Formosa, the Spanish settlement there, the nature of the people, and the reasons why a Spanish post was established there; he regards this enterprise as useless and undesirable, and states that the soldiers in that island are needed at Manila.  The persecution of Christians in Japan still continues; Cerezo doubts the supposed improvement in the shogun’s attitude toward them, and recommends that no more religious be allowed to go to that country.  He describes his method of procedure toward the Chinese, both resident and non-resident; he endeavors to treat them with justice and kindness, and recommends a suitable person for the post of their protector.  Liberal aid has been sent to the islands this year from Mexico.

In military affairs, Cerezo recommends the abandonment of Formosa and other unnecessary forts, and the concentration of the Spanish forces at Manila.  The fort there is in fair state of defense, but the wall of the city is in ruinous condition, and the governor is having it repaired and strengthened.  He recommends that some galleys be maintained at Oton or Cebu, to keep the Moro pirates in awe:  and that a new commandant be sent to Ternate in place of Heredia, who has shown himself unfitted to hold that office.  A mutiny has occurred there, which he has cruelly punished; and he is blamed for an insurrection in Tidore which has replaced its king with another who is friendly to the Dutch.  The port of Cavite must be well maintained and provided with supplies.  No ships from India have arrived, probably because the Strait of Malacca and the neighboring waters have been infested by the Dutch.

Little is said about ecclesiastical affairs.  “The orders are conducting themselves in an exemplary manner, except that they often usurp the royal jurisdiction, under pretext of defending the natives, and take away the authority from the alcaldes-mayor.”  The acting archbishop is commended, and recent appointments are mentioned.

The Editors

March, 1905.

      Historiade la ORDEN de S. Agustin de ESTAS Islas Filipinas