regarding the foreign nations and Sangleys who live in Manila;
and inasmuch as there should be a trustworthy, influential, and
disinterested person in the said city, who should have charge
of purifying the country and giving license to those who must
remain there: therefore we order the governor to take charge of
his appointment and to appoint for the said commission the person
most suitable for it in that community, of whose zeal for our royal
service and the common welfare, and of whose trustworthiness and care,
he has the greatest assurance. The governor shall not appoint for this
office and employment any of his servants, inasmuch as we expressly
prohibit that. [Felipe III--San Lorenzo, March 6, 1608.]


Law XVIII

The cargo of the ships of the line, on both outward and return
trips between Nueva España and Filipinas, shall be stowed in the
fore-hold; and only the sea stores, the sailors' and mess chests,
the rigging, sails, and all the necessities, between decks. Likewise
rigging shall be taken to the port of Acapulco, in consideration of
the fact that the city of Manila has it at cheaper rates than the
port of Acapulco--whither it is carried from San Juan de Ulua [11]
at very great cost and expense. We order this to be so executed,
providing there is no inconvenience; and if there should be any, we
shall be advised in order to provide the advisable measures. [Felipe
III--San Lorenzo, April 22, 1608.]


Law XX