_Item_: That, although your Highness has ordered that the Indians be
not fined pecuniarily, your order is disregarded, especially by certain
officials of the doctrinas [_i.e._, missions]. There is considerable
abuse in this matter that deserves remedy. In some districts, also,
very large fees are collected. Will your Highness be pleased to order
this remedied, I mean the taking in some districts of these fees by
officials of the doctrinas. [96]
_Item_: The governors have appointed captains, masters-of-camp, and
all sorts of military officers among the natives. They allow them
to have company colors, and finally are teaching them how to fight
after our manner. That means, even if we should need the Indians,
naught else than to awaken one who sleeps, until what he has practiced
becomes his purpose.
_Item_: The Portuguese of Malaca carry to the islands many
slaves--negroes, for the most part. Those are generally the worst ones
that they have, and they are drunkards, thieves, and fugitives, who
take to highway robbery; and they endanger the country considerably,
because of their number. Will your Highness be pleased to order that
no one of the said negroes or slaves be carried thither, when twelve
years old or over, under penalty of confiscation; and that that order
be rigorously executed.
_Item_: That when the governor or auditors leave their offices they
give their residencias in person; for this is of great importance,
so that they may have fear in giving the residencia.
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