Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/507

Rh. It could result in nothing but misfortune, and would make California the laughing-stock of the world. Mexico could reconquer the territory, without expending a dollar, by simply turning loose on its property a horde of Sonoran vagabonds. Vallejo must devise a speedy remedy; organize some kind of a temporary government satisfactory to the people if not strictly legal; and finally, go as a deputy to Mexico to explain matters. Independence is a foolish dream at present; and the writer quotes from Vallejo's old conversations with Echeandía, to the effect that California might one day be independent — but only when their great-grandchildren should reach an advanced age! So far as intelligible, Osio's plan would seem to have involved a surrender to Mexico and centralism on condition that Vallejo should be made governor and general.

Juan Bandini, as a matter of course, had something to say on the subject. In a letter of December 3d to Vallejo he represents himself as delirious with sorrow at what has occurred. The picture has no bright side. He loves California better than the land of his birth, but all his efforts and those of others in behalf of the country are now rendered vain and of no effect just when the prospects seemed fairest. The result cannot fail to be disgrace and shame and vengeance. The Californians were mad to expose their plans without force to support them, to attempt to resuscitate the lost cause of federalism. "It is hard to contend against one's own opinions, but it is harder to see a friend mixed up in so terrible a predicament." Not a word of southern remedial plans.