should be converted into parishes, under the management of the ordinary ecclesiastical authorities, and regulated some details of that management. Respecting the real difficulties of secularization, the disposition to be made of mission property, and the obstacles existing in California, it was silent. Supplementary regulations were apparently contemplated, though not mentioned; and such regulations, or what may in a certain sense be construed as such, will be noticed a little later in the instructions to José María Híjar. By the law of August 17th, the expense of putting curates and a vicar in charge of the missions, and also as it appears of supporting them in their new positions — that is, all the expense arising, from the execution of the law — was to be paid from the pious fund. By a later decree of November 26th, the government was authorized "to adopt all measures to insure the colonization, and make effective the secularization of the missions, of Alta and Baja California, using for that purpose in the most convenient manner the estates of the pious fund of those territories, in order to furnish resources to the commission and families now in this capital and intending to go there."[1]
We have seen that ten new padres had come to California in 1833 to reënforce the missionary band; but two of the Fernandinos died this year, José Bernardo Sanchez, ex-president, and Luis Gil y Taboada;
- ↑ Decree of Nov. 26, 1833, circulated by the secretary on the same date, and published in a bando of Dec. 2d. Arrillaga, Recop., 1833, p. 311-12; Sup. Govt St. Pap., MS., ix. 1; Hayes' Mission Book, i. 218.
ing the inhabitants of Cal. to make oblations, however pious they may be or necessary they may be declared; and neither time nor consent of the citizens can give them any force or virtue. 12. The govt will see to it that the diocesan do his part in carrying out the objects of this law. 13. When the new curates have been named, the govt will gratuitously furnish a passage for them and their families by sea; and besides may give to each for the journey by land from $400 to $800, according to the distance and number of family. 14. The govt will pay the passage of returning missionaries; and in order that they may return comfortably by land to their college or convent, may give to each from $200 to $300, and at discretion whatever may be necessary in order that those who have not sworn the independence may leave the republic. 15. The sup. govt will meet the expenses authorized by this law from the product of the estates, capital, and revenues at present recognized as the pious fund of Cal. missions.
