deprived of all control over the temporalities of their respective missions, which should be intrusted to administrators. Argüello opposed the measure, because it would result in the padres abandoning spiritual as well as temporal interests, and also because it would be impossible to find competent administrators. Don Francisco zealously defended his proposition, and even wished to hold Argüello personally responsible to the country for any harm that might result from leaving the recalcitrant friars in charge of public property. All three of the Castros, that is, all the rest of the members, were of the same opinion, though Don Antonio was somewhat doubtful about the religious aspects of the case. Thus the vote remained on the records; but the only result that I find was the issuing of an order to the comandantes that each padre must be required to state in writing whether he would take the oath or not.[1]
In April Padre Narciso Duran assumed the presidency of the missions, an office that since the death of Señan had been held by Sarría in addition to that of prefect.[2] Duran also refused to take the oath, not, as he said, from any "disaffection to the independence," nor for any "odious passion," for indeed he believed independence to interest Spain more than America — that is, that Spain was better off without Mexico. But he was tired of taking so many oaths during the past few years, when oaths seemed to have become mere playthings. "I offer," he writes, "an oath of fidelity to do nothing against the established government, and if this be not accepted, I am resigned to the penalty of expatriation, which the constitution
- ↑ Leg. Rec., MS., i. 44-6. June 3d, governor's order to comandantes, acknowledged by Sarría June 22d. Arch. Arzob., MS., iv. pt ii. 140. The padres seem to have made no immediate reply. There is some reason to suppose that the above date should be June 3, 1826.
- ↑ April 2d, Duran notifies the governor of his assumption of the office. Dept. Rec., MS., i. 117; Arch. Arzob., MS., iv. pt ii. 140. June 3d, comandante of S. F. has proclaimed Duran as vicario foráneo. St. Pap. Sac., MS., xiv. 36. Oct. 15, 1824, bishop grants to president all the powers conferred by the former bishop. Arch. Sta B., MS., xii. 320.
