certainly do something outside of it to meet their expenses. The method
of collecting the tributes hitherto has been little more than slavery
for the natives; the bishop pleads in eloquent terms that the governor
will reform this abuse, and consider the subject from the standpoint
of the Indians as well as from that of the Spaniards.] In order that
they may endure their hardships cheerfully, it is well that they should
understand the change among the Spaniards which has occurred since the
coming of your Lordship; for their burdens have been lightened by the
reduction of the tributes from the former amount; and the Spaniards
have done what they did not previously--that is, to treat the natives
well, and to converse with them in a friendly manner. This, without
doubt, will greatly incline them toward our holy Christian religion;
and then the Indians cannot make this a matter of complaint against
the Spaniards, but will keep silence and yield to whatever commands
are given them. [The Spaniards have might on their side, and terrorize
the weaker natives; but the right only should be considered, and is
mainly on the side of the Indians. The conquerors have brought forward
many specious arguments to justify their oppression, which for a time
deceived even the bishop, who expresses his regret and remorse for
his own mistakes; but his long experience has opened his eyes, and he
espouses the cause of the oppressed Indians, urging the governor to
consider their needs, without allowing the Spaniards to influence him
in favor of their selfish and unjust practices. Salazar complains that
the orders of both the king and the governors have been systematically
violated or ignored; that no one has been punished for infractions
of law save the poor Indians, who often have been justified in these
actions.] But even this has not availed them to escape punishment
in their persons and property. Yet thus far there is no instance
known when an encontendero or collector has been punished for even
the grossest acts of injustice and injury which they have inflicted