The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803; explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commericial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the beginning of the nineteenth century; [Vol. 1, no. 2]

94

THE PHJIJPPINE-TS-ANDS

[Vol. 2

may come through his negligence." News of any
Spaniards left among these islands from the expedition of Villalobos is to be earnestly sought; and
Spaniards and their children are to be ransomed
when found, and brought back to Spanish territory.
Information is to be sought concerning the natives of
the Philippines. The Spaniards must ascertain
whether the Portuguese have built forts or made
settlements in these islands since the treaty was made,
or since Villalobos arrived there. The exploration in
Spain's demarcation is to be as thorough as possible.
Any land colonized must be well chosen, regard being
had to its easy defense. As much treasure as possible
must be sent back with the ship or ships that return
with news of the expedition. Further emphasis is
laid on the good treatment of the natives, "who, as
we are informed, are men of keen intellect, of much
worth, and as white as ourselves." In whatever
port, island, or land " they shall make explorations,
they are to gather information " of the customs, conditions, mode of life, and trade of their inhabitants;
their religion and cult, what beings they adore, and
their sacrifices and manner of worship. Information
must be obtained of their method of rule and government; whether they have kings, and, if so, whether
that office is elective, or by right of inheritance; or
whether they are governed like republics, or by
nobles; what rents or tributes they pay, and of what
kind and to whom; the products of their land most
valued among them; what other things valued by
them are brought from other regions. And you shall
ascertain what articles taken by you from here are
held in highest estimation among them." Possession,
in the king's name, shall be taken of all the lands or