this way the governor will be able to provide and remunerate those
for whom there are no judicial posts to be given. Also this plan will
do away with annoyance to the governor, and even the danger that, if
this plan be not followed, he might be persuaded or incited, by the
importunity of claimants, to make appointments differently from what
is advisable. It will be well to specify and note that such rewards
and gratifications are not to be given only to those who have spent
years of service in the country; for some have been engaged for the
most part in making collections in the encomiendas and in services
that can be paid and rewarded with very little, and perhaps they even
deserve punishment rather than reward, for some of their actions. Thus
the appointments should be given to those of the greatest merit.


_That the soldiers' pay be increased, and that it be paid them
punctually, three times a year, on the expiration of the time,
and without any delay; and that, whether it be increased or not,
an order be issued to give, as shall be declared, one meal per day
to poor and wretched Spaniards and soldiers who are without it. From
this follows what shall be declared in regard to it. It is advisable
to read this entire section_.

It is very desirable and necessary that the pay of the soldiers be
increased, for they suffer the utmost poverty and want with their
pay of but six pesos; for the country is so expensive and so needy
that they can in no manner be fed or clothed as is fitting. This is
necessary so that the spirit and honor of the soldiers may be kept
constant, and so that they may not be debased and humbled to the low
condition of becoming pages to women throughout the year. This fits
the name of soldiers of your Majesty very ill, and many of them are