Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/331

Rh Cárlos won the victory, for his propositions, attached in thirteen articles to the exposicion, were almost literally adopted in the law of May 25, 1832, by which the estates were to be rented for terms not exceeding seven years, and the product was to be devoted exclusively to the missions. True, the victory was a barren one, for the missions derived little or no benefit from it; but neither had they profited by the fund in the past since the revolution against Spain began. Nor could they under any system have got their dues while the Mexican revolutionary troubles continued.

Naturally little was done or even attempted in the matter of secularization during the political and military interregnum of 1832, yet some theorizing was indulged in, which it is well to notice. The diputacion, in addition to defending its past acts toward Victoria, or rather as a part of that task, spoke very bitterly against the friars in their reports of February and May. By means of their wealth, it was charged, and through the fanaticism of the people, the padres had influence, and used it unscrupulously to disseminate Spanish ideas, and plot against the federal system, breaking the laws, corrupting officials, and making themselves abhorred by intelligent citizens — that is, by the writers and their friends. Some had fled to Spain with gold and silver belonging to the missions. Their commercial frauds were well known. Why should they be allowed to profane our institutions, and propagate among the young and ignorant their sentiments in favor of Fernando VII.? Why had not the laws against them been enforced in California as