Page:The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 (Volume 08).djvu/82



Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, governor and captain-general for his Majesty in these islands, to you, Juan de Alcega, alcalde-mayor of the province of Pan Panga, and of the places pertaining thereto; or to your deputy:

Be it known unto you that some days ago the city of Manila issued an ordinance, which was confirmed by me, forbidding the Indian natives of these islands to wear silks or stuffs from China, for many reasons mentioned in the said ordinance. And in order to ascertain whether any benefit or advantage will result to the said Indians from the said ordinance and whether certain offenses against God and other abuses will be averted; and whether there are any for whose sake the execution of the same should be suspended: I therefore now, by these presents, ordain and command you that, by reason of the declarations hereinbefore made, you secure information from Spanish and Indian witnesses, examining the same in accordance with the interrogatory sent herewith; in order that his Majesty may be informed of the facts disclosed and asserted, and may issue commands at