First: That the cabildo of the city of Manila, inasmuch as certain of
the regidors are appointed by the governor and at times from his own
household, suffers very great troubles because they are unable, when
discussing the common welfare in the said cabildo, to do it freely,
or to advise your Highness of what is expedient, because those persons
tell it to your governor. And, as is often necessary, if they have to
write the truth of what is occurring, if it is against the governor,
they know that he will hear of it, and will be angry at them, as has
sometimes occurred; and he has even arrested them, and has spoken
to them roughly and harshly. Inasmuch as the said governor is the
soul of that community, and the one who must reward their services,
and is even the cause that nothing but what he wishes is done and
written; and inasmuch as many times certain prominent persons and
leading men refuse to act as regidors, and those persons who would
be very desirable to retain therein have left the cabildo:
I petition and supplicate your Highness that those who enter the
said cabildo because of the absence or death of those who are now
members be appointed by the entire royal Audiencia. Those appointed
shall be nominated by the said cabildo and the said royal Audiencia
shall select one of the two who shall be nominated; and your governor
shall be unable to remove him, just as if he were appointed by your
Highness. By this method this trouble will end, and a confirmation
of this request should be sent.
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