the spirit rapidly evolved from controversies with the friars on other points, and with the urgings of some prominent Californians who already had their eyes on the mission lands, he had to keep the matter alive by certain experiments intended to test the feelings and capabilities of the neophytes.[1] On April 28, 1826, Echeandía and his secretary, Zamorano, held a consultation with padres Sanchez, Zalvidea, Peyri, and Martin at San Diego, at which after the padres had expressed their willingness to surrender the temporal management, the governor made a speech on the importance of providing for the Indians of San Diego and Santa Bárbara who desired to leave the neofía and manage for themselves. After discussion, it was agreed that those of good conduct and long service might be released, to form a pueblo at San Fernando or San Luis, under regulations to be fixed by the governor.[2]
After later consultations not definitely recorded, at which the plan was considerably modified, Echeandía issued, July 25th, a decree, or proclamation, of partial emancipation in favor of the neophytes. By its terms those desiring to leave the missions might do so, provided they had been Christians from childhood, or for fifteen years, were married, or at least not minors, and had some means of gaining a livelihood. The Indians must apply to the presidial comandante, who after obtaining a report from the padre was to issue through the latter a written permit entitling the neophyte and his family to go wherever they pleased,
- ↑ According to Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 109-10; Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 51-3; Vallejo, Reminis., MS., 89-90, Echeandía, immediately after taking his office, sent Lieut Pacheco to make a tour of inspection in the southern missions. The padres were not pleased; but Pacheco having some trouble with P. Boscana at S. Juan Capistrano, went so far as to assemble the neophytes and to make a political speech, in which he told the Indians of a new chief who had come to the country to be their friend, and give them equal rights with Spaniards.
- ↑ Dept. St. Pap., MS., i. 129-30.
guardedly and slowly to avoid the license that might result from unwise measures. All is intrusted to E.'s experience and good judgment. St. Pap., Miss. and Colon., MS., ii. 42, quoted by E. in 1833 in a letter to Figueroa.
