religious instruction. Dasmariñas is advised to settle lawsuits
amicably out of court, when possible. In disaffected encomiendas,
only part of the tributes should be collected. Suitable instruction
for the natives must be provided, and those who are dispersed should
be gathered into settlements where they can be taught the Christian
faith. The king appoints Bishop Salazar the official protector of
the Indians; and the governor is instructed to cultivate friendly
relations with him. A force of four hundred paid soldiers shall be
maintained in the islands, and various provisions are made for their
discipline and welfare. The minimum age for military service is fixed
at fifteen years, and the enlistment of mestizos is discouraged. The
city of Manila shall be fortified and garrisoned; and the governor is
instructed to be on his guard against various enemies, "chiefly of
the Lutheran English pirates who infest those coasts," and to build
forts and galleys for the defense of the islands. He is expected
to continue the conquests begun there by the Spaniards, but only in
accordance with instructions furnished him. He must do all in his power
to pacify the Indians in the disaffected provinces. In attempting any
military expedition, the governor must consult with the most learned
and experienced men of the community; he may contract with captains or
encomenderos for the exploration or pacification of hitherto unsubdued
regions. Provision is made for the instruction of the natives; and
extortion and oppression of the natives in collecting the tributes
must be checked. All Indians enslaved by the Spaniards shall be
immediately set free. All lawsuits concerning the Indians shall be
settled as promptly and simply as possible. Religious persons sent to
the islands must remain there, except by permission of the authorities.

Of especial value are two relations (1589) by the Franciscan missionary
Juan de Plasencia, on the customs of the Tagalogs. He describes their