Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/358

340 onerous duties and by lack of competent subordinates, had been most encouraging until interrupted by the arrival of the secularization law of August 17th, which compelled him to await further instructions. The law was submitted to the diputacion with a request for advice as to its enforcement. The deliberations of that body on mission management in May and June were extensive, but barren of results. Various propositions, relating to the measurement or assignment of mission lands, to the prevention of unnecessary slaughter of mission cattle, to the enforced rendering of inventories by the padres pending secularization, were introduced, referred to committees, reported back, and discussed; but practically nothing was accomplished. In view of the Mexican law of August 1833, and of the knowledge that Híjar had been appointed commissioner of colonization, Figueroa felt doubtful about his powers to take any action, and the vocales were easily induced to adopt his views. It was resolved June 3d that the gefe político had no authority to execute the law, though some steps might be taken should circumstances require it; that the diputacion should recommend the assignment of certain property to the municipal funds of the new pueblos, and that the government should also be urged not to delay secularization even in the absence of regular curates, since the friars could act as such temporarily.

Though still doubtful, or at least affecting doubt, as to his powers in the matter, Figueroa was induced to change his mind so far as to admit that the '