Page:The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 (Volume 01).djvu/57

 the qualities required in a successful colonial ruler.

The supreme court or Audiencia was composed of four judges (oidores, auditors) an attorney-general (fiscal), a constable, etc. The governor who acted as president had no vote. Besides the functions of this body as the highest court of appeal for criminal and civil cases it served as has been said as a check upon the governor. Down to 1715 the Audiencia took charge of the civil administration in the interim between the death of a governor and the arrival of his successor, and the senior auditor assumed the military command. Attached to the court were advocates for the accused, a defender of the Indians, and other minor officials. In affairs of public importance the Audiencia was to be consulted by the governor for the opinions of the auditors.

For the purposes of local administration the islands were subdivided into or constituted Provinces under alcaldes mayores who exercised both