sist in its folly, he would not use force, but would hold it responsible for results. "The fate of the Californians is in your hands, and it behooves you to reflect carefully on what you will do."[1]
At a meeting of the ayuntamiento, May 1st, the governor's letter and Osio's propositions were read, and a long discussion ensued. No one had anything to say in favor of the new propositions. Four members, Ibarra, Valdés, Herrera, and Alvarado, declared themselves in favor of the resolution of April 22d, involving, as they understood it, a full compliance with the convention of January 26th. The other four, Sepúlveda, Lugo, Pantoja, and Lopez, urged a recognition of the existing government, and full compliance with all its orders and decrees. Next day the discussion was resumed. Sepúlveda made an earnest appeal; Ibarra's party declared itself convinced, and a unanimous vote was secured in favor of the resolution that "the ayuntamiento of the city of Los Angeles recognizes the present system of government, and the orders and decrees emanating therefrom, without prejudice to the laws in force, decreed by the legislation of Mexico." José Castro was present at this meeting, and it is just possible that Alvarado's opponents regarded their votes as the best means for avoiding an involuntary sojourn at Sonoma.[2]
Alvarado now regarded the triumph of his cause as complete, and on May 10th issued a long and grandiloquent manifiesto of congratulation to the people of California. In this document he declared that, in accordance with his promise, he had been indefatigable and successful in making his countrymen free
- ↑ Alvarado to ayunt. of Los Angeles, April 28, 1837. Dept. St. Pap., MS., xi. 75-8. The ayunt. on April 29th ratified its action of the 22d, though it was said there was danger of some members being carried north for their opposition to Alvarado. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 295.
- ↑ Sessions of May 1st, 2d. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 296-301. Alvarado writes also May 1st to clear up the doubts at S. Diego suggested in the action of April 27th, proving that the federal system was undoubtedly the one intended, and pleading, with much flattery, that though he had arrested their síndico and sec., their escape proved that they had not been very harshly treated. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 176, with a seal in ink and pencil.
