strict measures in favor of the Indians.[1] Finally, on March 19th, Echeandía directed to Figueroa the long letter, already often cited, in which he fully reported and defended his past policy. In this communication, besides the arguments already noticed, he attempted, in a manner satisfactory to himself, to overthrow the reasoning of Minister Alaman against his famous decree, and he also proposed a scheme of converting gentiles on the frontiers, through the agency of old neophytes and military guards.[2]
Meanwhile Figueroa prepared to make the investigations required by his instructions. His views were for the most part identical with those of Echeandía, but he had of course to encounter the same obstacles which had prevented that officer during the earlier years of his rule from carrying out his instructions. He announced February 18th to Echeandía his policy and his general approval of the latter's views, stating that he hoped to begin the distribution of lands at San Diego in April. This was to be made known to the Indians, who were to be informed of the governor's purpose to protect their liberties but at the same time to allow no license.[3] After some delay on account of illness, Figueroa went south at the end of
- ↑ Feb. 7, 1833, E. to F., in Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxi. 25, enclosing documents to prove the abuses committed by the friars of the south, and the malicious exaggeration of all they say against the proposed reforms. Each padre does as he pleases, on the excuse that to do otherwise he must have his prelate's orders, which are not given. The prelate is Duran, a Spaniard and pronounced royalist, only saved from expulsion by his intimate friendship with Victoria. The gente de razon pay no parochial tax, are entertained gratis by the friars, and receive loans and gifts from the missions; therefore the magistrate who attempts to protect the Indians is a shining mark for popular attack. Still he has been regaining little by little the civil authority usurped by the friars, and urges Figueroa to continue the same policy. On the same date were sent the complaints of a S. Diego Indian, Tomás Tajochi, against Argüello particularly, whom Echeandía thought it best to replace with some officer less obnoxious to the Indians. Arch. Arzob., MS., v. pt i. 74-6, 107-9.
- ↑ Echeandía, Carta que dirige á D. José Figueroa, 1833, MS., p. 38-41, 56-7.
- ↑ Feb. 15. 1833, F. to E., and also to Santiago Argüello. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxi. 26-7. F. evidently feared a revolt of the Indians. Feb. 10th, J. A. Carrillo writes that he has complied with orders as to sustaining the gov.'s authority; and will go to S. Gabriel with the síndico of the ayunt. to harangue the Ind. and tranquillize them. Arch. Arzob., MS., v. pt i. 76.
