The provincial
Solier is exonerated from blame, incurred through erroneous reports of
his conduct, but is obliged to go to Spain to render an account of it;
he does this so well that he is made bishop of Porto Rico. In 1611 Fray
Miguel Garcia is elected provincial of Filipinas, and administers his
office very acceptably. Another reenforcement of missionaries arrives
in 1613; their outfit for the journey is so meager that they barely
survive its hardships. By vote of the chapter of 1611, the interval
between its meetings was extended to four years. Much discontent arises
at this, and the act is revoked, the next chapter meeting in 1614. An
attempt is made to reduce the number entitled to vote therein; this
is done, although in the face of strong opposition. At the chapter of
1614, Fray Vicente de Sepulveda is made provincial; his severity of
rule is onerous to his subordinates. The Dutch send a fleet to Arevalo;
the Spanish commandant there takes to cowardly flight, as do all his
forces, and the enemy burn the town. The missionaries seek refuge in
other places; and their convents shelter and feed homeless refugees
and hungry soldiers, to the extent of their resources.
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