[45] Recopilación, 2–15–55. Don Antonio de Morga, writing in his Sucesos in 1609, described the Chinese government of the Parián as follows: “The Chinese have a governor of their own race, a Christian, who has his officials and assistants. He hears their cases in affairs of justice, in their domestic and business affairs; appeals from him go to the alcalde-mayor of Tondo, or of the Parián, and from all these to the Audiencia, which also gives especial attention to this nation and whatever pertains to it” (Morga’s Sucesos, Blair and Robertson, XVI, 197). See W. L. Schurz, “The Chinese in the Philippines,” in The Pacific Ocean in history, 214–222.
[46] The Chinese were altogether too shrewd in business for the other residents of Manila. The desire to avoid trouble and to keep from provoking the Chinese to rebellion were also factors, and there were institutional and religious reasons. The Chinese were of different race and heritage and their practices and beliefs were regarded by the Catholic Spaniards as altogether heathenish and heretical, and judging by almost any standard of morality and cleanliness it must be conceded that some of them at least were indecent and revolting.
[47] Cédula of December 1, 1606, A. I., 105–2–1.
[48] Recopilación, 6–18–6.
[49] King to the Audiencia, December 4, 1630, A. I., 105–2–10. The Chinese had asked the king on this occasion to remove Governor Tavora. The magistrates, jealous of the governor, and desiring to see him dispossessed of his office, forwarded this request to the king.
[50] Royal instructions to Gerónimo Ortiz y Capata; February 4, 1631, A. I., 105–2–1.
[51] King to the Audiencia, December 4, 1630, A. I., 105–2–10.
[52] King to the Audiencia, August 8, 1609, A. I., 105–2–1.
[53] King to Governor Silva, March 27, 1616, A. I., 105–2–1.
[54] King to the President and oidores, July 25, 1619, A. I., 105–2–1.