Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/473

Rh speech against Gutierrez as a centralist who disregarded the rights of the people as represented by the diputacion, a body which he had repeatedly insulted and had even threatened to dissolve by force. He argued that Gutierrez had no right to hold both commands; and advocated a resort to force to rid the country its oppressor. Spence and Munrás, mindful of their cominercial interests, opposed the use of force, but favored a petition to the supreme government, leaving matters in statu quo for the present. This policy was not acceptable to the majority, who, on motion of Castro, voted that if Gutierrez would not give up the civil command he must be exiled. This was signed by Castro, Buelna, Alvarado, and Guerra. Spence refused, but promised aid to the cause. Alvarado was appointed to solicit the coöperation of Vallejo at Sonoma, and Castro was ordered to take command of the citizens in arms. Meanwhile the governor learned what course affairs were taking, and sent Crespo to San Juan to negotiate, offering to make some concessions; but the agent was not received, and the answer sent back was to the effect that the diputacion, representing the people, had undertaken the preservation of federal institutions, and the governor must prepare to defend himself.

Alvarado went first to Monterey and had an interview with Angel Ramirez, who was somewhat alarmed at the plan of visiting Sonoma and making Vallejo prominent in the enterprise, fearing that Vallejo's friendship for Bandini might interfere in the success of his own plans. Alvarado stopped at the house of Tia Boronda, and there had a meeting with Isaac Graham, the hunter, upon whom he prevailed without much difficulty to arouse his countrymen and join the revolutionary cause. During this interview, glancing out of the window, Alvarado saw Captain Muñoz and eight soldiers rapidly approaching the house, whereupon he rushed out, mounted Graham's horse which