simply as temporal benefits, they do not give him any right to do
so. Even the administration of justice to the Indians confers upon
him no right in itself; it does so only as it may aid in or support
the preaching of the gospel. This opinion is signed by Fray Pedro
Baptista and three of his brethren.]

[The Jesuits regard both religious instruction and the administration
of justice as just ground for the imposition and collection of
tributes. When the Spaniards take possession of any land without
providing these benefits, they are only "establishing divisions of
territory between the crowns of Castilla and Portugal," which has
nothing to do with levying tributes on the natives of such region. In
encomiendas where instruction is not given through lack of ministers,
only such part of the tribute may be collected as belongs to the
administration of justice; and the part which would be used for the
support of religion must be returned to the natives. The fathers
cite, in support of their opinion, various learned theologians. They
would permit the encomendero who protects his Indians, but is
unable to maintain religious teaching, to collect means for the
support of himself and family--for which purpose they would allow him
three-fourths of the tributes. The other fourth should be returned to
the Indians; and, in districts where there is not and will not soon
be religious instruction, this should be done without telling them
the reason for such action; otherwise, they will not wish to become
Christians. They urge that definite and prompt action be taken in
regard to this matter. Their opinion is signed by Antonio Sedeño and
two other fathers, and is dated February 20.]

[The Jesuits also send to the bishop a long and learned discussion of
the question, answering some of the twenty-five "conclusions" which