was intended to apply only to the four southernmost missions. It did not go so far in some respects as was provided by the decree of January, and introduced some new features not authorized by that decree. It was not apparently published in regular form as a bando, but was rather submitted for approval to the friars. It was prefaced with an argument on the necessity of secularization under superior laws and instructions, a statement of the enthusiasm with which the Indians had welcomed the author's efforts, a presentment of their complaints of injustice and a general discontent under the padres' management which threatened serious consequences, a mention of good results at San Juan Capistrano, where the padres were said to have voluntarily given up the temporalities, and a plea to the missionaries to accept their duties as parish priests.
Padre Sanchez replied in a long series of critical notes on both preface and reglamento.[1] This criticism is one to which it is impossible to do justice
- ↑ Sanchez, Notas al Reglamento de Secularizacion, 1832, MS. The document has no date. The concluding note is as follows: 'It seems to me that I have given some convincing proofs, not perhaps of absurdities — I do not venture to say that — but of inconvenientes as they appear to me at first reading. I do not wish to engage in a prolonged dispute with Echeandía; let him do what may seem best. I have expressed my views, not so much for him, as for an instruction to the padres that they are by no means to lend themselves to any such coöperation as is demanded by that gentleman; since to do so would be to subscribe to the ruin of their missions, and to the ignominy of all the insults, suspicions, and distrust expressed in the plan, which were by no means necessary if only the welfare of the Indians were sought. Let Sr Echeandía then do what he pleases about the missions, but let him not count on the coöperation of the padres, which he himself must know to be absurd. The missionaries will serve as such and in no other capacity, until the curia eclesiástica, in accord with the sup. govt communicating with us through our prelate, may see fit to order a competent change — and so long as they are given the necessary food to support life, which failing they have the natural and divine right to shake off the dust of their shoes and go to other labors wherever they may be found.'
derstood that at the proper time a part will be used for the foundation of new missions among neighboring gentiles. In order to a beginning of regular administration, the branch of vineyards will be separated at once so that all labor in them may be done for wages, deducting expenses from the product. 9. The missionaries now in charge will be treated as parish priests and as depositaries of the community property, signing the account to be rendered annually by the chief steward, who on recommendation of heads of families will be appointed from their number by this govt. The curate is to have all parochial dues besides his sínodo until the sup. authority may decide.
