the same districts where the services are ordered to be performed,
particularly if the district is somewhat remote and distant. For if
the pay is not thus sent, those who did the work suffer, and, as a
rule, do not get it. The cause of this is, that those who perform
these services generally live at a distance from Manila; and by
not coming to the city, but waiting until they are paid, without
leaving their homes, wives, and fields, they allow themselves to lose
it. Many come too, but are not paid even then, which is the cause
of great harm. Loss results also because generally certain persons
perform the services, while others conduct the affair here. Since
they thus remain at home without coming to Manila for their pay (as
is the quite general practice), and send a chief to collect it for
them, before the latter gets it and the pay is turned over to those
who performed the service, a long time elapses, and they may even
never get it. For sometimes the chiefs keep it, or give it for some
pious object, at the instigation or persuasion of the religious,
and to gratify the latter at the expense of another's toil and of
the poor--who, although they would rather have their pay than give it
away, do not dare to complain, as the chiefs, to whom they are very
subject, are concerned in the matter. Thus in order not to offend
them or the father, or for other reasons, it comes to pass that the
poor wretches do not enjoy the fruit of their labor. In like manner,
it is advisable for your Majesty to order straitly that the many who
are conscripted for these services, expeditions, and ordinary works,
from Tondo and the environs of Manila, at great cost and expense to
them, be paid immediately; for their pay is due them for a long time,
and is postponed and delayed for many days, to their great vexation,
loss, and annoyance, and even to the extent of being a public offense.