the gospel in due time.

This plan can be followed temporarily, until information concerning
it shall reach his Majesty--who, I assure your Lordship, will
straightway adjust the matter by providing these islands, as well as
those most distant and as yet unpacified, with sufficient religious
instruction; and by determining what share of the cost shall fall to
the encomenderos according to the detailed information and report
which shall be sent hence to him, together with your Lordship's
statement. Thus all will come to enjoy the fruits of the gospel,
which is our principal end and object with these peoples. In return,
they are to offer this moderate tribute, which is to facilitate
their conversion, to which end everything is directed; and to prepare
them for it by this means, without which there would be no way for
endeavoring to interest anyone, even if the tribute should amount to
many millions. But, with this justification, it can be levied.

The encomenderos shall maintain their residence, and, as your
Lordship justly suggests, shall provide a good example and fair
treatment toward the Indians of their encomiendas. And, in order
that the latter may receive (as your Lordship says) some recompense
in return, orders shall be given that all the encomiendas, however
remote they may be, shall be provided with some administration of
justice, with orders to the alcaldes-mayor in whose district these
encomiendas chance to be to visit, at stated periods of the year,
the Indians thereof. The officials shall then settle the disputes
and redress the grievances of the Indians, bringing them by kind
acts into intercourse and friendship with us. Where the present
number of alcaldes-mayor is not large enough, others shall be sent,
in order that thus may be facilitated our intercourse and influence