evidently intended to conciliate as far as possible the good-will of the missionaries and to use all possible precautions against the evils to be feared from a sudden and radical change.
In the middle of October, after some progress had been made in carrying into effect the law under Figueroa's regulations, Híjar appeared on the scene with instructions dated April 23d which contained certain articles regulating the law of August 1833, or at least were the only regulations on the subject that the Mexican government had deigned to issue. I append those articles in a note.[1] Their exact meaning is not quite clear, since, literally interpreted, they contain not a word to authorize the distribution of any portion of the mission property to neophytes. This fact enabled Figueroa and his friends to denounce with much plausibility the whole scheme as one of deliberate plunder. I suppose, however, that the failure of the government to define specifically the Indians' rights was but a part of the general carelessness observable in all official transactions relating to the col-
- ↑ Híjar, Instrucciones. Art. 1. He will begin by taking possession of all the property belonging to the missions of both Californias. Art. 7. Special care shall be taken to attach the Indians to the settlements, mixing them with the other inhabitants, but not permitting any settlement composed of them only. Art. 9. Each family of colonists to receive certain land, live-stock, and implements (of course from the mission property). Art. 11. The distribution of movable property belonging to the missions having been made (was this merely the distribution to the colonists as per art. 9? or did it include also a distribution to neophytes as a part of secularization?), one half of what is left shall be sold in the most advantageous manner. Art. 13. The remaining half is to be kept on account of the govt, to pay expenses of worship, education, etc. Art. 14. An annual report on the mission property required from the director of colonization.
'nunnery'is to be abolished at once. The girls and boys are to be given to their parents, to whom their parental duties are to be explained. 8. The com., after investigation, will propose as soon as possible one or more persons deemed fit for majordomos, with the salary that should be paid them. 9. Rancherías at a distance having 25 families may form a separate pueblo if they wish to do so, otherwise they will form a barrio or ward of the main pueblo. 10. The com. will report the population, in order to prepare for elections, which so far as possible are to conform to the law of June 12, 1830. 11. The com. will take all necessary executive steps demanded by the state of business, reporting to the govt and consulting it in serious or doubtful cases. 12. In all else the com., padre, majordomo, and Indians will act as prescribed in the reglamento. — Monterey, Aug. 9, 1834. José Figueroa; Agustin V. Zamorano, secretary.
