The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 10 of 55 - 1597-1599 by Unknown
page 67 of 280 (23%)
page 67 of 280 (23%)
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55. The Japanese and Chinese strive to take many deerskins as
merchandise from these islands to Xapon. They hunt for these, and buy them from the Indians and even the religious, who give and sell them. This traffic must be stopped, for it is very injurious to the country, as the animals are killed solely for their skins, and thus the supply of game will become exhausted. 56. The flour, biscuits, and wax brought from Xapon are suitable commodities for this country. Some persons have already become so keen in their plans to dispose of these goods that they buy them by wholesale, store them, and retail them. This must be prohibited, and an order issued to the effect that this state shall be provided and supplied with them at moderate rates. 57. It does not appear that the alcaldes and regidors of Manila use their offices to the good of the state, but each for his own private interests. They must be instructed in their duties, and punished for any negligence. 58. There is no system in regard to the provision of beef, for there is no one who is compelled to provide it. What there is, is not properly cleaned. It is not cut, divided, or weighed with equality and fairness. As the regidors and people in authority are the owners of the cattle, they weigh and sell them as they please, without observing any system. 59. There is likely to be a scarcity of rice, for the city does not make the necessary provision for it. Those who have this grain--the encomenderos--hoard it and make a profit from it, selling it to the Sangleys at high rates; and thus it becomes dear. The same thing is |
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