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MISSIONS AND SECULARIZATION.
At San Juan Capistrano the experiment was tried on a larger scale. All seem to have been emancipated, and lands were assigned at the mission, which thus became virtually a pueblo in October, under the prevenciones of July, and certain special supplementary rules issued at this time. I find no evidence that any neophytes at all were emancipated this year north of San Juan.[1]
In addition to his efforts in the direction of experimental and partial emancipation, Figueroa also kept in view his obligation to report on a plan for formal secularization. In August he called upon the diputacion, and on the prelates of the two missionary
- ↑ July 19, 1883, F. appoints Argüello comisionado for S. Diego, notifying also Duran. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxi. 31-2. Sept. 21st, Portilla to F. On the 23d he will begin the distribution to the neophytes of San Juan Capistrano of their lands at S. Mateo, the best site on the mission tract. The Ind. of S. Luis will build their houses at once (where it is not stated), while the women harvest the melons. In another letter of the same date P. says the Ind. of S. Juan are not willing to go to S. Mateo, not understanding why their lands should not be assigned at the mission, where they have already well watered lots on which they are supporting themselves without aid from the mission. F. at first ordered a temporary suspension of the distribution at S. Mateo, and on Oct. 13th granted the petition of the Ind., ordered lands to be assigned at the mission under the rules, and issued some supplementary rules for their guidance, Id., xxxi. 38. On Oct. 5th, he had announced his intention in a report to Mexico to emancipate all the neophytes of S. Juan, who seemed more civilized than others. St. Pap., Miss. and Colon., MS., ii. 72. It may therefore be supposed that these regulations were put in force. Sept. 27th, Argüello to F. Reports progress, or lack of it, at S. Diego and S. Luis. He says that of 59 heads of families at S. Diego only two wished for emancipation, unless they could have their property to do what they pleased with it; but there were 14 families of 33 persons from S. Dieguito who wished to join the two and form a pueblo, and he had granted their petition and was going to assign their lands. (It is not stated where, nor is there any evidence that he did so.) At S. Luis Rey he was even less successful; for out of 108 families none desired emancipation, though 4 married men were somewhat non-committal on the subject. Id., xxxi. 36-7. Oct. 3d, M. G. Vallejo to F. Thanks God that the true owners of the missions begin to enjoy their rights. 'I have rejoiced from the bottom of my heart at the liberation of these poor people from the clutches of the missionaries. The great supply of men and dollars the padres have hitherto had will now, though rather late, come to an end!' St. Pap., Miss. and Colon., MS., ii. 318. Oct. 15th, in a decree on elections F. declares that the neophytes are not citizens, but the emancipados can vote. Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., xi. 12; Id., S. José, MS., iv. 131. Nov. 26th, F. directs Portilla to warn the 'townsmen' of S. Juan that they must do nothing but what is allowed in the reglamento, and must obey orders sent to Portilla. The ayunt. of Los Angeles has nothing to do with the management of their property — only having jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters. P. is to instruct them in their rights and duties, and bid them pay no heed to idle rumors. Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., lxxix. 12.
