Orders of the government were for the most part clear, and should be obeyed. The innocent colonists were, however, in no way to blame for the failure of the directors to provide for their welfare, nor for the carelessness of the government in issuing indefinite orders; and for them the territorial authorities should provide in every possible way. The Indians, moreover, ought not to be despoiled of their property – their only reward for a century of slavery — as would be the case if Híjar's original instructions were carried out; and on this point the government should be fully informed. The decision of the committee, approved by the diputacion, and published in the governor's bando, was in substance as in the appended note.[1] Figueroa was to remain gefe político; Híjar was to be recognized as director of the colony, but must not interfere with the missions, and all possible aid was to be afforded to the colonists. The course decided upon was an eminently just and proper one.
Híjar addressed to Figueroa, October 23d, a communication, in which he attempted to refute successively all the positions assumed by the diputacion. This letter, with Figueroa's arguments against each point interpolated between its disjointed paragraphs, fills fifty-four pages of print.[2] Both disputants dis-
- ↑ 1. The order of July 25th must be obeyed, and Figueroa will continue to act as gefe político. 2. Híjar may fulfil his special commission of director of colonization, subject to the territorial government and the regulations which may be adopted by the diputacion. 3. H. is to have nothing to do with secularization, and is not to receive the mission property. 4. Until the sup. govt may decide, the secularization regulations of the dip. will be carried out, and the Indians will be put in possession of their property. 5. (a) The gov. will cause to be given to the colonists on arrival the tools and other aid called for in the instructions, the same to be taken pro rata from the different missions; (b) he will also furnish necessary food on account of the allowance to each person; (c) the director will be subject to the gefe, and will report to him, giving estimates of expenses, etc.; (d) the mission lands belong to the Indians, and no colony shall be established on them. 6. The gefe will retain H.'s instructions, giving him a certified copy if desired. 7. (a) This document is to be reported to the sup. govt, which (b) is to be asked to revoke the instructions so far as they despoil the Indians of their property; to approve the regl. of the dip.; and (c) to separate the political and military command. 8. This action of the dip. shall be circulated for the information of the public.
- ↑ Figueroa, Manifiesto, 35-89.
