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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 08 of 55 - 1591-1593 by Unknown
page 9 of 286 (03%)
settlement in China. Dasmariñas orders an inquiry to be made into this
matter, and has various witnesses examined. This is done according
to a detailed interrogatory--the witnesses testifying that the
Portuguese of Macao trade with the Philippine Islands, with much
profit and advantage; that the trade of Macao is rapidly increasing
in extent and range, and yet does not notably decrease the abundance
of goods to be had at that port; that, if the Spaniards trade there,
it will be much easier to introduce the gospel into China; that
hitherto no trading ships have gone from the Philippines to India;
that trade with Macao will enrich the islands; that the Portuguese at
Macao have plundered a ship sent thither by Dasmariñas; and that the
Chinese desire the trade of the Spaniards. To this are appended various
declarations and decrees which bear upon the question discussed; and,
finally, the recommendation of Dasmariñas that the king permit trade
between the islands and Macao.

Hostilities arising with the Zambales of Luzón, the governor calls
upon the religious orders for their opinion regarding the justice
of waging war against these Indians. The Augustinians make a long
and elaborate response; they state three conditions as necessary
to make a war righteous--that he who begins it must have authority,
just cause, and righteous intention. These are explained in detail, as
general precepts, and then applied to the question now before them--all
fortified by citations from doctors of law and theology, and from the
Bible. Their conclusion is that war may be justly waged against the
Zambales. They also lay down the rules which should, _ex jure gentium_,
be followed in the conduct of such war; and end by recommending that
the Zambales, when conquered, should be transplanted to some other
district, and remodeled into an agricultural people. This document
is presented in full, as a curious and interesting example of the
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