Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/494

476 goods, with tonnage dues at eight reals per ton, and coasting trade was permitted to foreign vessels under a permit from the government. This was in appreciation of the aid rendered by foreigners to the cause of freedom.

Thus far the Californians had been successful in their armed protest against centralism. They had got rid of their Mexican ruler, and had made a start in the experiment of governing themselves. The machinery of government was working smoothly enough at the capital. The beginnings under the new régime had been marked by no hasty or unwise steps. The leaders were among the best and the ablest of the Californians, abounding in patriotism, if somewhat lacking in experience. It would be going too far, perhaps, to say that the new administration had before it an open road to permanent success, for the inherent difficulties of the situation were great. Possibly it is fortunate in a sense for Alvarado and his associates that they can point to the opposition of their countrymen as an insurmountable obstacle in their way, for it is certain that such opposition removed every hope of a notable success. Yet I have much reason to believe that Alvarado would have effected a marked improvement in the condition of California had he been allowed to do so, and that the internal quarrels, which needlessly monopolized his attention and energy, were from every point of view a misfortune to the country.

The bases of the new system were of course forwarded, with the various proclamations and decrees therewith connected, to every part of the state; and I suppose that they were approved with the usual forms and oath of allegiance everywhere in the northern districts, though strangely enough not a single record of such local proceeding has rewarded my search.