Overland immigration being thus disposed of, I have to notice briefly several general topics of foreign relations. Californians were as a rule favorably disposed toward foreigners in these years, there being doubtless less prejudice against them in the minds of citizens than against the Mexicans. The benefits they had conferred in past years, and were still conferring commercially, were appreciated both by citizens and authorities, while the harm they were doing and likely to do troubled the latter much more than the former, and not even them very seriously. Notwithstanding the irregularities committed by the trappers and deserters, foreigners were not discouraged by illiberal regulations and restrictions from settling in the country; while citizenship, wives, and lands were easily obtained by those whose conduct was regular. New-comers had to comply with certain formalities, and they were occasionally reminded that they were under surveillance, but no cases of oppression are recorded.[1]
- ↑ April 9, 1831, gov. to alcalde of Angeles. The 8 persons just arrived must make the declarations required by law of May 1, 1828, and give bonds for good conduct, after which cartas de seguridad will be granted. Dept. Rec., MS., ix. 95-6. In Forster's Pioneer Data, MS., appen., is a carta de seguridad issued to Juan Forster by the vice-president to travel for one year in the republic. It is a printed blank filled out with name, dated April 4, 1832, and numbered 1031. Sept. 23, 1831, form of oath required from a Portuguese for naturalization, Dept. Rec., MS., ix. 114. Nov. 8, 1832, six foreigners from whale-ships are on their way to S. José. They must be arrested and sent to Monterey. S. José, Arch., MS., ii. 59. Jan. 1833, art. 9 of Monterey municipal laws. Foreigners on entering or leaving town must show their passports. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iii. 160. April 1833, Figueroa is requested to remove from Solano to Monterey 3 turbulent and anti-catholic foreigners. Id., iii. 116. Nov. 18, 1833, F. issues strict orders prohibiting foreigners from hunting. Patrols must be sent out monthly, and all offenders arrested and treated as smugglers. Hunters who are Mex. citizens must have a license. Sta Cruz, Arch., MS., 95; Dept. St. Pap., Mont., MS., ii. 82; Id., Ben. Mil., lxxix. 16-17. May 17, 1834, F. submits to asesor García Diego's question if foreigners wishing to marry Cal. girls must have the gefe's permission, as required by Victoria. Id., iii. 148. June 21st, dip. consider the question if married and land-owning foreigners must aid in community work of the pueblos. Leg. Rec., MS., ii. 127-8. July 25th, none of the foreiqners at Sta B. have cartas or certificates. Dept. St. Pap., MS., xix. 33. Nov. 9th, all foreigners on ranchos must appear before alcalde. Foreigners without passes and fugitive sailors to be arrested. Id., Ben. Pref. y Juzg., iv. 33-4; Id., Cust.-H., iii. 14. Nov. 22d, Americans at Los Angeles protest against being obliged to do military service, except in case of an emergency, being protected by treaty between U. S. and Mexico. Id., Los Angeles, MS., i. 154-6. July 12, 1835, F. instructs the alcalde of S. Diego about the steps to be taken by Thos Ridington or any
