orders from my king; for this decision is what I consider best for
his royal service. From the office, February 8, 1591.

[Salazar writes a short letter (dated Feb. 14) to Dasmariñas, urging
him to adopt the measures proposed by the clergy; but, as it contains
no new information, we do not present it here.]




Order Issued by the Governor for Collection of the Tributes


I, Gomez Perez Dasmariñas, governor and captain-general of these
Islas Philipinas for the king our lord: Inasmuch as I am notified, by
the decrees and instructions of his Majesty, wherein he commands and
charges me to exert myself to check the excesses and lawless acts which
are prevalent in the collection of the tributes in the encomiendas
belonging to his Majesty, as well as those of the other encomenderos,
I have looked into this matter; and, with all the care and attention
I could give, I have consulted and conferred as to the best order
and method that should be employed in the aforesaid collections,
in order that God and the king, our lord, may be served. Therefore,
in order that the Indians may not be annoyed or aforesaid excesses--it
is fitting that the procedure is not due them, to put an end to the
evils and wrongs which have existed in this business, and to check
the aforesaid excesses--it is fitting that the procedure which is to
be henceforth followed be understood and established. Accordingly,
by this present I do order and command that in the collection of
tributes, not only in the encomiendas of the king but in all others,