CHAPTER VI.ANNO DOM. 1709.The Administration of the Conde de Lizarraga.Don Martin de Ursua y Arismendi Conde de Lizarraga took possession of his government on the 25th of August, 1709. His first care was to send out of the islands all those Chinese who had been hitherto in the habit of remaining annually after the departure of the junks, to the great prejudice of the Spaniards. The safety of the state required this step, and all were expelled except those who were mechanics, or in the service of the public. The indulgence granted to these, was ascribed to the advantage the Governor derived from the licences he issued for thatpurpose. This step taken by the Governor was of great service to the country, as the Chinese came into it on the pretext of cultivating the land, and on this ground were allowed to remain; but it was soon found that they were even less active than the Indians, and that for one who applied himself to agriculture, a thousand were dealers of different descriptions, and in this they were extremely expert. They adulterated the weights and measures, as well as the different articles of sugar, wax, and almost every other commodity, so as not to be easily discovered. They were all monopolizers, watching narrowly the wants of the inhabitants, and the demand for different articles of consumption, which they kept back until they rose to their price. All this they had long practised with impunity, as, by virtue of presents duly applied, they were able to secure powerful protectors; and although sometimes they were fined, they took care that,even on the very day the fine was exacted, they should be reimbursed by the advanced price they fixed on the very goods in question. By this means they became rich in a short time, and either remitting their money to China, or returning with it themselves, they thus defrauded the Philippines annually of immense wealth1.The Jesuits of Manila, in 1696, had made an attempt to reduce the islands of Palaos, or Pelew, which were understood to consist of thirty-two in number, and to be very populous; but it was not till 1710 that they were enabled to make good a landing on them, when a patache, sent by the Governor, at last effected this desirable end.These islanders appeared so friendly, that the pilot who had been sent on shore with an Indian to discover a good landing-place, was persuaded to go up the country to the chief, who receiving him withcordiality, the favourable report he made to the fathers determined them immediately to land and plant the cross. They accordingly departed in the launch, accompanied by twelve of the people, with an intention of returning to the ship as soon as the object was effected; but the pilot, after making repeated signals, having protracted his stay until the setting in of the periodical hurricanes, was compelled to abandon the mission in this state of uncertainty, and return to Manila; since which time nothing has been heard of the Jesuits or the Spaniards who accompanied them. Two ships, indeed, have been sent in search of them, but one was lost, and the other failed in her attempt to reach the Palaos, the only result of her voyage being the discovery of a few insignificant islands.In the year 1710, three English ships arrived on the coast of California, and our squadron on that station having been separated, were attacked singly by them. Theadmiral, whose captain was a Frenchman, struck without opposition. The other ship, Nuestra Señora de Begoña, Captain Francisco de Angulo, being deficient of his complement of men, and even those in a sickly state, after a gallant resistance, was compelled to retire. Our loss on this occasion was eight killed and eight wounded. Our galleon mounted twenty-four guns and twenty patereros, and the largest English ship thirty-six; the second twenty-four, and the third twenty-two guns. The King, irritated by this disgraceful loss, severely censured the Viceroy for his imprudence in confiding a Spanish ship of war to the command of a stranger.On the 4th of February, 1715, deeply regretted by all, after an administration of five years, died the Conde de Lizarraga, and the Oidor Torralba succeeded himad interim. He rendered himself extremely useful to the colony in casting artillery, and in other public works; but he had themisfortune to be on very indifferent terms with his colleagues in office. Señor Pavon, who had been divested of his office by the concurrence of the Royal Audience, in the views of Señor Torralba, appealed to his Sovereign, who acquitted him, and permitted him to return to his office. The royal order to this effect arrived during the governorship,ad interim, of Señor Torralba, who refused to put it into execution, and so persecuted Señor Pavon, that he compelled him to take refuge in the convent of St. Augustine. He likewise proceeded, in a most hostile manner, against the Oidor Villa, on a most ridiculous pretext.
CHAPTER VI.ANNO DOM. 1709.The Administration of the Conde de Lizarraga.Don Martin de Ursua y Arismendi Conde de Lizarraga took possession of his government on the 25th of August, 1709. His first care was to send out of the islands all those Chinese who had been hitherto in the habit of remaining annually after the departure of the junks, to the great prejudice of the Spaniards. The safety of the state required this step, and all were expelled except those who were mechanics, or in the service of the public. The indulgence granted to these, was ascribed to the advantage the Governor derived from the licences he issued for thatpurpose. This step taken by the Governor was of great service to the country, as the Chinese came into it on the pretext of cultivating the land, and on this ground were allowed to remain; but it was soon found that they were even less active than the Indians, and that for one who applied himself to agriculture, a thousand were dealers of different descriptions, and in this they were extremely expert. They adulterated the weights and measures, as well as the different articles of sugar, wax, and almost every other commodity, so as not to be easily discovered. They were all monopolizers, watching narrowly the wants of the inhabitants, and the demand for different articles of consumption, which they kept back until they rose to their price. All this they had long practised with impunity, as, by virtue of presents duly applied, they were able to secure powerful protectors; and although sometimes they were fined, they took care that,even on the very day the fine was exacted, they should be reimbursed by the advanced price they fixed on the very goods in question. By this means they became rich in a short time, and either remitting their money to China, or returning with it themselves, they thus defrauded the Philippines annually of immense wealth1.The Jesuits of Manila, in 1696, had made an attempt to reduce the islands of Palaos, or Pelew, which were understood to consist of thirty-two in number, and to be very populous; but it was not till 1710 that they were enabled to make good a landing on them, when a patache, sent by the Governor, at last effected this desirable end.These islanders appeared so friendly, that the pilot who had been sent on shore with an Indian to discover a good landing-place, was persuaded to go up the country to the chief, who receiving him withcordiality, the favourable report he made to the fathers determined them immediately to land and plant the cross. They accordingly departed in the launch, accompanied by twelve of the people, with an intention of returning to the ship as soon as the object was effected; but the pilot, after making repeated signals, having protracted his stay until the setting in of the periodical hurricanes, was compelled to abandon the mission in this state of uncertainty, and return to Manila; since which time nothing has been heard of the Jesuits or the Spaniards who accompanied them. Two ships, indeed, have been sent in search of them, but one was lost, and the other failed in her attempt to reach the Palaos, the only result of her voyage being the discovery of a few insignificant islands.In the year 1710, three English ships arrived on the coast of California, and our squadron on that station having been separated, were attacked singly by them. Theadmiral, whose captain was a Frenchman, struck without opposition. The other ship, Nuestra Señora de Begoña, Captain Francisco de Angulo, being deficient of his complement of men, and even those in a sickly state, after a gallant resistance, was compelled to retire. Our loss on this occasion was eight killed and eight wounded. Our galleon mounted twenty-four guns and twenty patereros, and the largest English ship thirty-six; the second twenty-four, and the third twenty-two guns. The King, irritated by this disgraceful loss, severely censured the Viceroy for his imprudence in confiding a Spanish ship of war to the command of a stranger.On the 4th of February, 1715, deeply regretted by all, after an administration of five years, died the Conde de Lizarraga, and the Oidor Torralba succeeded himad interim. He rendered himself extremely useful to the colony in casting artillery, and in other public works; but he had themisfortune to be on very indifferent terms with his colleagues in office. Señor Pavon, who had been divested of his office by the concurrence of the Royal Audience, in the views of Señor Torralba, appealed to his Sovereign, who acquitted him, and permitted him to return to his office. The royal order to this effect arrived during the governorship,ad interim, of Señor Torralba, who refused to put it into execution, and so persecuted Señor Pavon, that he compelled him to take refuge in the convent of St. Augustine. He likewise proceeded, in a most hostile manner, against the Oidor Villa, on a most ridiculous pretext.
CHAPTER VI.ANNO DOM. 1709.The Administration of the Conde de Lizarraga.
The Administration of the Conde de Lizarraga.
The Administration of the Conde de Lizarraga.
Don Martin de Ursua y Arismendi Conde de Lizarraga took possession of his government on the 25th of August, 1709. His first care was to send out of the islands all those Chinese who had been hitherto in the habit of remaining annually after the departure of the junks, to the great prejudice of the Spaniards. The safety of the state required this step, and all were expelled except those who were mechanics, or in the service of the public. The indulgence granted to these, was ascribed to the advantage the Governor derived from the licences he issued for thatpurpose. This step taken by the Governor was of great service to the country, as the Chinese came into it on the pretext of cultivating the land, and on this ground were allowed to remain; but it was soon found that they were even less active than the Indians, and that for one who applied himself to agriculture, a thousand were dealers of different descriptions, and in this they were extremely expert. They adulterated the weights and measures, as well as the different articles of sugar, wax, and almost every other commodity, so as not to be easily discovered. They were all monopolizers, watching narrowly the wants of the inhabitants, and the demand for different articles of consumption, which they kept back until they rose to their price. All this they had long practised with impunity, as, by virtue of presents duly applied, they were able to secure powerful protectors; and although sometimes they were fined, they took care that,even on the very day the fine was exacted, they should be reimbursed by the advanced price they fixed on the very goods in question. By this means they became rich in a short time, and either remitting their money to China, or returning with it themselves, they thus defrauded the Philippines annually of immense wealth1.The Jesuits of Manila, in 1696, had made an attempt to reduce the islands of Palaos, or Pelew, which were understood to consist of thirty-two in number, and to be very populous; but it was not till 1710 that they were enabled to make good a landing on them, when a patache, sent by the Governor, at last effected this desirable end.These islanders appeared so friendly, that the pilot who had been sent on shore with an Indian to discover a good landing-place, was persuaded to go up the country to the chief, who receiving him withcordiality, the favourable report he made to the fathers determined them immediately to land and plant the cross. They accordingly departed in the launch, accompanied by twelve of the people, with an intention of returning to the ship as soon as the object was effected; but the pilot, after making repeated signals, having protracted his stay until the setting in of the periodical hurricanes, was compelled to abandon the mission in this state of uncertainty, and return to Manila; since which time nothing has been heard of the Jesuits or the Spaniards who accompanied them. Two ships, indeed, have been sent in search of them, but one was lost, and the other failed in her attempt to reach the Palaos, the only result of her voyage being the discovery of a few insignificant islands.In the year 1710, three English ships arrived on the coast of California, and our squadron on that station having been separated, were attacked singly by them. Theadmiral, whose captain was a Frenchman, struck without opposition. The other ship, Nuestra Señora de Begoña, Captain Francisco de Angulo, being deficient of his complement of men, and even those in a sickly state, after a gallant resistance, was compelled to retire. Our loss on this occasion was eight killed and eight wounded. Our galleon mounted twenty-four guns and twenty patereros, and the largest English ship thirty-six; the second twenty-four, and the third twenty-two guns. The King, irritated by this disgraceful loss, severely censured the Viceroy for his imprudence in confiding a Spanish ship of war to the command of a stranger.On the 4th of February, 1715, deeply regretted by all, after an administration of five years, died the Conde de Lizarraga, and the Oidor Torralba succeeded himad interim. He rendered himself extremely useful to the colony in casting artillery, and in other public works; but he had themisfortune to be on very indifferent terms with his colleagues in office. Señor Pavon, who had been divested of his office by the concurrence of the Royal Audience, in the views of Señor Torralba, appealed to his Sovereign, who acquitted him, and permitted him to return to his office. The royal order to this effect arrived during the governorship,ad interim, of Señor Torralba, who refused to put it into execution, and so persecuted Señor Pavon, that he compelled him to take refuge in the convent of St. Augustine. He likewise proceeded, in a most hostile manner, against the Oidor Villa, on a most ridiculous pretext.
Don Martin de Ursua y Arismendi Conde de Lizarraga took possession of his government on the 25th of August, 1709. His first care was to send out of the islands all those Chinese who had been hitherto in the habit of remaining annually after the departure of the junks, to the great prejudice of the Spaniards. The safety of the state required this step, and all were expelled except those who were mechanics, or in the service of the public. The indulgence granted to these, was ascribed to the advantage the Governor derived from the licences he issued for thatpurpose. This step taken by the Governor was of great service to the country, as the Chinese came into it on the pretext of cultivating the land, and on this ground were allowed to remain; but it was soon found that they were even less active than the Indians, and that for one who applied himself to agriculture, a thousand were dealers of different descriptions, and in this they were extremely expert. They adulterated the weights and measures, as well as the different articles of sugar, wax, and almost every other commodity, so as not to be easily discovered. They were all monopolizers, watching narrowly the wants of the inhabitants, and the demand for different articles of consumption, which they kept back until they rose to their price. All this they had long practised with impunity, as, by virtue of presents duly applied, they were able to secure powerful protectors; and although sometimes they were fined, they took care that,even on the very day the fine was exacted, they should be reimbursed by the advanced price they fixed on the very goods in question. By this means they became rich in a short time, and either remitting their money to China, or returning with it themselves, they thus defrauded the Philippines annually of immense wealth1.
The Jesuits of Manila, in 1696, had made an attempt to reduce the islands of Palaos, or Pelew, which were understood to consist of thirty-two in number, and to be very populous; but it was not till 1710 that they were enabled to make good a landing on them, when a patache, sent by the Governor, at last effected this desirable end.
These islanders appeared so friendly, that the pilot who had been sent on shore with an Indian to discover a good landing-place, was persuaded to go up the country to the chief, who receiving him withcordiality, the favourable report he made to the fathers determined them immediately to land and plant the cross. They accordingly departed in the launch, accompanied by twelve of the people, with an intention of returning to the ship as soon as the object was effected; but the pilot, after making repeated signals, having protracted his stay until the setting in of the periodical hurricanes, was compelled to abandon the mission in this state of uncertainty, and return to Manila; since which time nothing has been heard of the Jesuits or the Spaniards who accompanied them. Two ships, indeed, have been sent in search of them, but one was lost, and the other failed in her attempt to reach the Palaos, the only result of her voyage being the discovery of a few insignificant islands.
In the year 1710, three English ships arrived on the coast of California, and our squadron on that station having been separated, were attacked singly by them. Theadmiral, whose captain was a Frenchman, struck without opposition. The other ship, Nuestra Señora de Begoña, Captain Francisco de Angulo, being deficient of his complement of men, and even those in a sickly state, after a gallant resistance, was compelled to retire. Our loss on this occasion was eight killed and eight wounded. Our galleon mounted twenty-four guns and twenty patereros, and the largest English ship thirty-six; the second twenty-four, and the third twenty-two guns. The King, irritated by this disgraceful loss, severely censured the Viceroy for his imprudence in confiding a Spanish ship of war to the command of a stranger.
On the 4th of February, 1715, deeply regretted by all, after an administration of five years, died the Conde de Lizarraga, and the Oidor Torralba succeeded himad interim. He rendered himself extremely useful to the colony in casting artillery, and in other public works; but he had themisfortune to be on very indifferent terms with his colleagues in office. Señor Pavon, who had been divested of his office by the concurrence of the Royal Audience, in the views of Señor Torralba, appealed to his Sovereign, who acquitted him, and permitted him to return to his office. The royal order to this effect arrived during the governorship,ad interim, of Señor Torralba, who refused to put it into execution, and so persecuted Señor Pavon, that he compelled him to take refuge in the convent of St. Augustine. He likewise proceeded, in a most hostile manner, against the Oidor Villa, on a most ridiculous pretext.