consequently, it has been necessary, as I have already said, to
consider the matter most carefully. This I have done by consulting
persons who know and thoroughly understand the point at issue; and
by comparing therewith what I have seen and know from experience,
and from my knowledge of the law.

Such are the contents of the conclusions which I herewith send your
Lordship. I trust that you will be pleased to read them and will expect
from me no other opinion than the one therein contained; for I have,
and shall have, no other, and there is not a right-minded person in
the bishopric who dares maintain the contrary.

Two points should be especially noted among those which I here
set down. The one concerns the second conclusion wherein I make the
following statement: From the small encomiendas may be collected half
of the tributes even where there is no instruction, if the encomendero
fulfils his duties; and from those of average size a third part of
the same. Although there is, in strictness, no reason why one-half
should be collected from the small encomiendas and only a third part
from the others, yet after careful consideration, it has seemed to
us both equitable and reasonable that, in a very small encomienda,
the encomendero should collect from each inhabitant somewhat more
for his maintenance than if the inhabitants were numerous and thus
could provide, even when a less sum was levied, better support for
the encomendero.

The other matter for consideration relates to the statements in the
third and fourth conclusions concerning the restitution of what has
thus far been taken from the natives. In this matter some moderation
should be displayed, in view of the present needy condition of the