gist of it was that a new diputacion should assemble at Santa Bárbara on February 25th, to adopt or reject what had been done at Monterey, always supporting federalism, and insisting on a native ruler. It was formally approved by all parties. Then followed speeches of congratulation at the victory achieved over difficulties that had threatened to set Californians at enmity one with another. Pio Pico wished to be put on record as saying that he would support a native ruler to whatever section he might belong. Antonio M. Osio declared that "sooner than submit to another Mexican mandarin, he would retire to the forest and be devoured by wild beasts;" while Alvarado, in a closing speech, promised a faithful fulfilment of the compact.[1]
- ↑ Ayunt. session of Jan. 26th, in Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 254-62; S. Diego, Arch., MS., 156, 163-4; Bandini, Doc., MS., 45. Osio, Hist. Cal., MS., 352-5, gives a different account, saying nothing of the plan adopted and of course nothing about his own speech. He says that Alvarado on reaching Angeles summoned the ayunt. to meet within an hour, caused himself to be recognized as governor, and then thanked the members for their resolution of the 22d, since it relieved him from all his agreements, made only because of his inferior force, especially from his promise not to punish any one for past acts — at which all turned pale! Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 230-7, and Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 249-59, narrate events at Angeles substantially in accordance with the records. Botello, Anales del Sur, MS., 28-9, and Pico, Acont., MS., 40-3, though both participants in these events, add nothing to our knowledge of them.
Jan. 30th, Alvarado demanded and received what was left of the money taken from S. Fernando, with which to support his men. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 267-9. J. J. Pico says he went with three men to get the money, about $1,500. Osio says he delivered the money, $1,785, and that Alvarado told him he was a fool not to have taken half the amount for his trouble! Also on Jan. 30th Alvarado complained that several men were plotting mischief, and urged the ayunt. to adopt prompt measures. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 267. Vallejo says that 9 men, including Pio Pico, were arrested.
of 1824 (since the new system of centralism has not been sworn by the dip., and the system now ruling in the nation is not known), 2. The dip., to be chosen by electors according to Mexican law, will assemble and take into consideration what has been decreed in favor of the Monterey system. The dip. will meet and act in accordance with the laws in force.) 3. All that has been done will remain in force until the dip. meets. 4. The present govt will summon the electors or decree the election. (To meet at Sta. Bárbara on Feb. 25th.) The two copies do not agree. 5. The decree dividing Cal. into 2 cantons is null and void. 6. Until the federal system shall have been restored, no ruler appointed by the Mexican govt shall be admitted. (As soon as possible the sup. govt will be informed by competent authority that order is restored, and asked to appoint an hijo del pais to govern Cal.) In the discussions on art. 6, it was agreed on both sides that no Mexican ruler would be likely to be admitted, but it was urged that Mexico should be allowed to grant a native ruler in answer to a request, rather than be ordered to do so.
