DAWN AND THE DONS 24
proceeded to muddle internal affairs, and lead the Spanish empire into disastrous foreign wars. Happily for Spain, as well for California’s ultimate destiny, European complications, including wars and three ned wars, compelled such absorbing attention from all nations that territorial expansion on the Pacific was, for a time, thrust into the background. But it was not forgotten. Plans were developing that only waited an opportune time for execution.
Spain knew this, and in justice to her it should be said that she was making frequent gestures toward warding off threatened rivalry on the Pacific. But they were only gestures. From Madrid, where Vizcaino’s report had made such a profound impression, there came many royal decrees; but because of the impoverished condition of the Spanish treasury, these were mainly intended to encourage private enterprise in seeking Vizcaino’s “Noble Harbor,” and colonizing the adjacent lands. Indeed, many private enterprises were organized and licensed, but they never got beyond pearl fishing and other nearby coast activities, and it became more and more apparent that timely frontier advancement would not be effected by private enterprise. While with each passing year, the threatened rivalry on the Pacific was assuming a more serious aspect.
Finally came a combination of circumstances that gave birth to action. In 1759, Charles II became King of Spain. He was a benevolent despot, who strove earnestly to advance the power of his country, and to promote the
