Note 60 — Chapter X · THE AUDIENCIA AND THE CHURCH: THE ROYAL PATRONAGE

It is interesting to know that the churchmen were also held responsible for this information and that reports on these same subjects were required of the prelates and provincials.60 It is evident that the report of the audiencia was utilized as a check to prevent misrepresentation on the part of the friars, especially since it was always the object of each order to prove that it was over-worked and in urgent need of more members. As friars were sent to the Islands at the royal expense,61 and as they were supported after their arrival by the royal treasury, the exercise of economy was always desirable. On the other hand, it was to the interest of an order to make its requirements and accomplishments appear as great as possible.