The danger of territorial encroachment by foreigners was not in these years regarded as very threatening in California. True, it was sometimes alluded to by governor and congressmen, but less often and less earnestly than might be accounted for by the fact that it was the strongest argument that could be urged in pleas for attention, aid, and protection from the supreme government. Thus Cárlos Carrillo, in his argument for mission occupation of the north in 1831,[1] urged that the natural wealth of California was becoming well known to the world; and there were powers that recognized no right of domain not founded on actual possession — a threatening circumstance for that part of California north of San Francisco Bay. Victoria in the same year announced a doubtful rumor that the Americans were trying to found an establishment in the Tulares, informing the minister of war that he would prevent the entry of these foreigners without compromising the national dignity.[2] Figueroa's instructions of 1832 required that no obstacles be put in the way of foreigners desiring to settle in accordance with the colonization laws, and especially that a projected colonization scheme of Henry Virmond at Sonoma — about which nothing more is known — be aided; yet the government also recommended especial care that not more than one third of the inhabitants of any settlement should be foreigners, and attached great importance to the foundation of frontier posts, and the strict maintenance of Mexican supremacy up to latitude 42°, the limit fixed by treaty with the United States.[3] Figueroa's efforts in this direction have already been noted; but in his report of
- ↑ Carrillo, Exposicion, 8.
- ↑ May 6, 1831, v. to min. of war. Dept. Rec., MS., ix. 129-30.
- ↑ Figueroa, Instrucciones, MS., p. 35-6.
other foreigner desiring naturalization. 1. He must prove that he came legally to Cal. 2. Apply to the ayunt., his original application being retained in the archives and he receiving a certified copy. 3. He must appear before the district judge and prove that he is a catholic, a good citizen, and has a trade by which to gain a living. 4. An expediente of all these steps and documents must be presented to the gefe pol. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 49, 56; Hayes, Doc., MS., 22.
